Nutrition and Aging

Question 1

describe protein energy malnutrition (PEM)

Answer 1

insufficient energy and/or protein for metabolic needs

• PEM most common deficiency in elderly persons caused by:
  
  • inadequate intake
    
    • reversible
  • disease affecting metabolism, composition and appetite
    
    • called cachexia

Question 2

describe aging process and oxidative stress

Answer 2

Question 3

describe what leads to loss of taste, smell and appetite

Answer 3

• zinc, niacin and B-12 deficiency

Question 4

describe the “under-nutrition carousel”

Answer 4

Question 5

name the increased requirements for elderly

Answer 5

• protein
• calcium
• vitamin D
• vitamin B12
• folate

Question 6

name decreased requirement for elderly

Answer 6

• vitamin A
• calories

Question 7

describe protein requirements

Answer 7

• proteins required for nitrogen balance increases with decreasing energy intake

Question 8

describe fat and cholesterol in elderly nutrition

Answer 8

• 30% of diet, never to fall below 10% of total energy requirements

Question 9

describe fiber in elderly nutrition

Answer 9

• dangers of low-fiber diet include constipation and diverticulosis
• water insoluble fiber holds water within intestines
  
  • increased fecal bulk
  • reduces constipation and prevents colon diverticula
• water soluble fiber increases viscosity intestinal contents

Question 10

describe vitamin B12 in elderly nutrition

Answer 10

• most common of deficiency cause in elderly is malabsorption of cobalamin in food
• deficiency of B12 presents as:
  
  • hematological: macrocytosis and anemia
  • neurological: peripheral neuropathy

Question 11

describe folic acid deficiency in elderly

Answer 11

• associated with general malnutrition
• can present as megaloblastic macrocytic anemia
• high folate associated with protection from cognitive impairment (assuming normal B12)

Question 12

contrast osteoporsis vs osteomalacia

Answer 12

• osteoporosis
  
  • degeneration of already constructed bone–brittle
• osteomalacia
  
  • inadequate calcium absorption and vit. D deficiency
    
    • abnormality of the building process

Question 13

describe lower vit. A requirements in elderly

Answer 13

• vitamin A clearance from peripheral tissues may decrease in older adults
• excess can lead to headache, lack of energy, anorexia