Malnutrition / Sarcopenia

Question 1

Why is malnutrition important in the elderly?

Answer 1

• Progressive health decline
• Reduced physical and functional status
• Increased mortality

Question 2

Name some physiological factors which can influence nutritional inadequacy in the elderly?

Answer 2

• Decreased taste
• Decreased smell
• Delayed gastric emptying

Question 3

Name some pathological factors which can influence nutritional inadequacy in the elderly?

Answer 3

• Poor dentition
• Dysphagia
• Diseases
  
  • Cancer, HF, COPD, dementia

Question 4

Name some social factors which can influence nutritional inadequacy in the elderly?

Answer 4

• Ability to shop for food
• Ability to prepare food
• Financial status

Question 5

Name some psychological factors which can influence nutritional inadequacy in the elderly?

Answer 5

• Grief
• Anxiety/depression
• Loneliness

Question 6

Who can contribute to the management of malnutrition in the elderly?

Answer 6

• Community nurses
• Dieticians
• Social services
• Occupational therapists

Question 7

Describe the use of appetite stimulators for the elderly?

Answer 7

• Never first line
  
  • Megestrol acetate
  • Oxandrolone

Question 8

Name some aims in the management of malnutrition?

Answer 8

• Improve nutritional status
• Maintain function and capacity
• Improve quality of life

Question 9

Describe a screning tool for malnutrition?

Answer 9

• MUST - malnutrition universal screening tool
  
  • Involves:
  • Objective measures: height, weight, weight loss
  • Subjective criteria
  • Estimate height from ulna length

Question 10

Define Sarcopenia?

Answer 10

Syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and function

Question 11

What are the 3 possible criteria for a diagnosis of malnutrition?

Answer 11

• BMI < 18.5
• BMI < 20 and unintentional weight loss > 5% within last 3-6 months
• Unintentional weight loss > 10% within last 3-6 months