Malnutrition in older people--screening and management strategies.
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition in older people is not only common, but frequently overlooked. It can result in multiple medical complications, hospitalisation and even death.


OBJECTIVE
This article focusses on the consequences, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of this clinical syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonphysiological causes of malnutrition include social, psychological, medical and medication related factors. With vigilance, early screening and the institution of simple therapeutic measures of correcting nonphysiological causes and following dietary guidelines for older people, the adverse effects of malnutrition may be minimised.
Visvanathan
Renuka
R
Spencer Gulf Rural Health School, Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Australia. renuka.visvanathan@adelaide.edu.au
Newbury
Jonathan W
JW
Chapman
Ian
I
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence