Malnutrition and ageing.
This article aims to provide an overview of the problems that exist in relation to malnutrition and the elderly population. The changes that occur in body composition during ageing are described and how this may affect disease risk. The possible metabolic processes behind weight loss are discussed and the numerous factors that affect nutritional status in the older age group are described. Prevention of malnutrition in this group is important and so the roles of nutrition screening and assessment are examined.
Hickson
M
M
Nutrition and Dietetic Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK. mhickson@hhnt.nhs.uk
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002100:Cachexia / Q000209:etiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009909:Oral Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D019282:Wasting Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology