Elderly People

Question 1

Specific nutrition recommendations for elderly (4)

Answer 1

10 ug/d vitamin D
Low salt food
1.5l of fluids per day
2.4 ug/d vitamin B12 (USA only)

Question 2

Why do energy requirements decline with age?(2)

Answer 2

Lower BMR

Lower PA levels

Question 3

Derviticulosis (4)

Answer 3

Loss of colon motility increases pressure needed to move stools

Formation of pouches in colon wall

Retention of faecal material

Infection results in deverticulitis

Question 4

Causes of anaemia in the elderly (5)

Answer 4

Iron deficiency 
Acute haemorrhage 
B12/folate deficiency 
Bone marrow defects 
Leukaemia

Question 5

Nutrients that give cause to concern for malnutrition (6)

Answer 5

Iron 
Zinc
Calcium 
Vitamin D
Folate 
B12
B6

Question 6

Primary factors that promote malnutrition (7)

Answer 6

Poverty 
Social isolation 
Poor mental health 
Physical infirmity 
Chronic ill health 
Institutional living 
Poor knowledge of food

Question 7

Secondary factors that promote malnutrition (4)

Answer 7

Poor dentition
Reduced appetite
Reduced absorption
Medication

Question 8

Ways to improve nutrition in the elderly (5)

Answer 8

Variety
Meal timing and frequency 
Food presentation 
Social occasions 
Providing opportunities for PA

Question 9

Why may elderly require more protein (3)

Answer 9

Protein turnover is more Rapid
Muscle protein is lost with age
Which impairs ability to respond to trauma and infection

Question 10

How does mental health increase risk of malnutrition (3)

Answer 10

Depression less to reduced nutrient intakes
This results in nutrient deficiencies
Which contributes to depression

Question 11

PEM and disease relationship (6)

Answer 11

Infection 
Low intakes 
Poor nutritional status 
PEM
Impaired immunity (back to infection) 
Morbidity 
Poor nutritional status