Lecture 27 Nutrition in geriatrics/Cachexia

Question 1

What are important aspects to consider when it comes to aging and nutrition?

Answer 1

Complex Medical Presentation: multiple diagnoses/conditions, adherence, cognition, polypharmacy

Changes in Body Composition: MSK, reduction in total body protein/lean body mass, increase in total body fat and changes in distribution of fat stores, reduction in body water, skin integrity

Eating and Feeding Challenges: Sensory - taste and smell, appetite and enjoyment, metabolic changes, sight/touch, food prep, thirst perception

Oral - dentition (teeth), xerostomia, hygiene, dysphagia

GI - dysphagia, motility, digestion, absorption, early satiety, constipation, diarrhea

Complex Social Situations: housing situation, are they alone or caregiver or family member, community programs, food security

Question 2

What is malnutrition (definition)?

Answer 2

nutritional disorder, inadequate intake of protein and/or energy over prolonged periods resulting in loss of fat stores and/or muscle including starvation related this, chronic disease or condition related this and acute disease or injury related this

Question 3

What is sarcopenia?

Answer 3

a muscle disease, progressive loss of muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes associated with the aging process

Question 4

What is Cachexia?

Answer 4

severe body weight, fat and muscle loss due to underlying illness, catabolic and inflammatory processes are at play which can be difficult to reverse by nutritional support