title: Diagnosing undernutrition.
abstract: Because of its wide prevalence and its grave consequences on the health of older persons, malnutrition requires immediate attention. Physicians in general have been described as being nutritionally blind in their slowness to recognize undernutrition. A high degree of suspicion, a thorough history and physical examination, and pertinent laboratory data can identify patients at risk. When a more comprehensive assessment is needed; screening tools, dietary history, and special biochemical parameter can be used.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatric Medicine, St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, 1402 South Grand Boulavard, Room M238, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. omranm@slu.edu
authors.forename: M Louay
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Omran
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salem
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D004435:Eating; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012307:Risk Factors