The elderly represent an high-risk category for malnutrition for a number of changes in their physiological, pathological, economic and social patterns. They usually use several drugs and their physical activity is progressively reduced. Any ilness is highly influenced in its course by the nutritional status and, therefore, the identification of malnutrition in the elderly needs to be fast, for its strict correlation with the risk of both morbidity and mortality. In addition, recent data suggest that malnutrition has to be considered an indipendent risk factor for morbidity, complications and re-hospitalizations in the elderly. Therefore, physicians need to acquire a "geriatric sensibility", using the correct clinical and methodological approaches in the management of this illness.
The malnutrition in the elderly: A clinical approach / Pandolfo, Maria Concetta; Rizzo, Manfredi; Carmina, Enrico; Castello, Francesco; Mansueto, Pasquale; Renda, Giacoma; Avila, Daniela; Bucchieri, Salvatore; Cannone, Valentina; Sferrazza, Carmela; Di Fede, Gaetana; Rini, Giovam Battista. - In: ACTA MEDICA MEDITERRANEA. - ISSN 0393-6384. - 20:1(2004), pp. 37-42.
The malnutrition in the elderly: A clinical approach
Cannone, Valentina;
2004-01-01
Abstract
The elderly represent an high-risk category for malnutrition for a number of changes in their physiological, pathological, economic and social patterns. They usually use several drugs and their physical activity is progressively reduced. Any ilness is highly influenced in its course by the nutritional status and, therefore, the identification of malnutrition in the elderly needs to be fast, for its strict correlation with the risk of both morbidity and mortality. In addition, recent data suggest that malnutrition has to be considered an indipendent risk factor for morbidity, complications and re-hospitalizations in the elderly. Therefore, physicians need to acquire a "geriatric sensibility", using the correct clinical and methodological approaches in the management of this illness.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
