Malnutrition in seniors; physical or mental disorder?

Malnutrition is a condition in which a person’s weight, well-being, and the progression of existing disorders are all affected by a lack of nutrients. It is hazardous to people of all ages, including the elderly. Malnutrition increases senility, introduces additional health risks, and affects overall prognosis in those over 60-65 years old.

Why does malnutrition happen?

In seniors, malnutrition occurs for several reasons:

1. Medical. Digestive or dental issues, constraints associated with chronic diseases, overall health, and adverse effects of prescription drugs can all alter one’s diet. Changes in olfactory receptors decreased appetite, and a doctor’s prescription of an overly restrictive diet is all probable explanation.

2. Psycho-Emotional. Some disorders cause a person’s appetite to decline, and they simply do not want to eat. Depression, apathy, anxiety, and neurosis are all examples of this. Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and others could also be a factor. When a patient’s mental state deteriorates, he loses his independence, his capacity to serve himself, and he becomes malnourished as a result of his inability to complete everyday duties.

3. Social. Among the social reasons, the main one is low affluence, in which there are not enough funds, in which there are no funds for normal nutrition. Other reasons are reduced activity, social isolation, lack of an accessible environment that would allow a person to serve himself independently buy food, and cook for himself.

Signs of malnutrition; When to worry?

In fact, malnutrition has several symptoms such as;

rapid weight loss;
development of asthenia;
decreased functions of the endocrine glands;
violation of the digestive system;
development of systemic pathologies: disorders in the work of all organs, systems associated with insufficient intake of nutrients, hypoxia.

How is malnutrition diagnosed?

To assess the sufficiency of nutrition, an examination, a survey, a physical examination, and laboratory tests are prescribed. Usually, if an elderly person does not eat enough, he or she complains of lethargy. During the examination, weighing is carried out, the condition of the skin is assessed. A person who suffers from malnutrition can be irritable, inattentive, and have constant problems with sleep. To confirm the diagnosis the doctor may prescribe a clinical and biochemical blood test.

Another way to diagnose malnutrition is the MUST test. Let’s check out how it works.

MUST have steps to complete to see the final result. First of all, you must get the data about the weight and height of an individual. Then, find out the BMI (body mass index). Calculate the proportion of unintentional weight loss and provide a score. For example, an unanticipated loss of 5–10% would receive a score of 1, whereas a loss of 10% would receive a score of 2. Later on, you should determine whether you have any mental or physical health issues. Make a note of it with a number between 1 and 5. To get an overall risk score, add the scores from steps 1, 2, and 3.

Take into account the following table for the results;

0	Low Risk
1	Medium Risk
2 and over	High Risk

Can malnutrition be treated?

Yes, in fact. However, you should not attempt to come to a resolution on your own. Because each organism reacts differently, if you notice one of the indicators of malnutrition, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.

Remember, if your loved one suffers from malnutrition try to help them come out from that situation. Care is all that matters. Help them prevent the causes. See a doctor whenever you notice a symptom and everything will turn to be alright.