Anorexia of Aging: Assessment and Management

Francesco Landi; Anna Picca; Riccardo Calvani; Emanuele Marzetti

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2017.02.004

Anorexia of Aging: Assessment and Management

Clin Geriatr Med. 2017 Aug;33(3):315-323. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.02.004. Epub 2017 May 20.

Authors

Francesco Landi¹, Anna Picca², Riccardo Calvani², Emanuele Marzetti²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Center for Geriatric Medicine (CEMI), Institute of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L.go F. Vito 8, Rome 00168, Italy. Electronic address: francesco.landi@unicatt.it.
² Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Center for Geriatric Medicine (CEMI), Institute of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L.go F. Vito 8, Rome 00168, Italy.

PMID: 28689565
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.02.004

Abstract

Older people often experience loss of appetite and/or decreased food intake that, unavoidably, impact energy metabolism and overall health status. The association of age-related nutritional deficits with several adverse outcomes has led to the recognition of a geriatric condition referred to as "anorexia of aging." Anorexia is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality both in the community and across clinical settings. Multidimensional interventions within personalized care plans currently represent the most effective option to ensure the provision of adequate amounts of food, limit weight loss, and prevent adverse health outcomes in older adults.

Keywords: Appetite; Cachexia; Food intake; Geriatric syndrome; Multidimensional intervention; Nutrition; Sarcopenia; Weight loss.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Aging / physiology*
Anorexia* / diagnosis
Anorexia* / etiology
Anorexia* / physiopathology
Anorexia* / therapy
Disease Management
Geriatric Assessment / methods
Humans
Nutritional Status