Sunday, October 4, 2009

Undernutrition in the elderly

Yet malnutrition worsens immunity and promotes the loss of muscle mass. By weakening the sufferer, and malnutrition is a factor that could lead to a situation of loss of autonomy.

When talking about one of malnutrition?
Malnutrition is manifested by reduced food intake, causing multiple deficiencies. The first obvious symptom of malnutrition is weight loss. Thus, a weight loss of 5% of weight in a month or 10% in six months, definitely indicates the existence of malnutrition.

What are the factors leading to malnutrition?
Several factors combine to promote the emergence of a situation of malnutrition in the elderly:
Reduced physical activity The elderly reduce their physical activity, and therefore their food needs. Soon, they may have to try to stop hunger and skip meals.

Alteration of taste
Taste, like the other senses, deteriorate with age. The food has more flavor and the elderly lose their appetite, and reluctant to eat.
Digestive problems and gastric
The stomach pain increases with age, while gastric mucosal atrophy. Moreover, the decrease in digestive enzyme secretions can cause constipation.

The problems of oral
The elderly are likely to suffer from dental problems. Others suffer from painful gums. Chewing becomes difficult, even painful. Our seniors have a tendency to give up foods rich nutrient supply, but that seem difficult to chew, like meat or raw vegetables Often the elderly have plenty of capsules and tablets to swallow in the beginning of meals. Many drugs alter the taste and sometimes decrease salivation. So many reasons why older people to abandon a normal diet.
Depression is common in old age. It is a factor in causing and exacerbating malnutrition. Prejudices wrong can be the source of malnutrition: we tend to believe that the body of the elderly requires less energy than younger people. But it is not true: the energy needs are greater at the age of 75 years only 55 years!
The presence of more of the following factors should arouse the vigilance of the environment on the risk of malnutrition:

- Dental problems;

- Swallowing Problems;

- Constipation;

- Medicated than 3 drugs per meal;

- Depression, loneliness, widowhood;

- Insufficient financial resources;

- Loss of 2 pounds in the last month or 4 kilograms in the last semester;

- Rate of albumin below 35g / l or cholesterol of less than 1.6g / l;

- Existence of a serious illness.
What are the consequences of malnutrition?
Malnutrition affects immunity, leading to overall fragility. Malnutrition causes weight loss, which may be followed by asthenia or anorexia. Fatigue sets in, and the general weakening that can cause physical disorders, infections, etc..
Eventually, the disease leads to malnutrition and loss of autonomy. It is aggravating the disease. A vicious cycle with the cycle:
Undernutrition> weakened> Health> weakness> lack of strength and desire to eat.
Moreover, undernutrition accelerates loss of muscle mass, thereby falls and fractures.

How to avoid malnutrition?
It should seniors a daily intake of one gram of protein per kilogram. Do not hesitate to enhance the cooking, using milk and cream for example.
Facing the dishes taste
The taste is blunted, we must face the flat power of spices, condiments and spices. The pastries, tasty and rich in carbohydrate intake, may also agree to our seniors.

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