Current perspective for tube feeding in the elderly: from identifying malnutrition to providing of enteral nutrition. Clin Interv Aging 2018;13:1353-1364
Date
08/21/2018Pubmed ID
30122907Pubmed Central ID
PMC6080667DOI
10.2147/CIA.S134919Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85056266253 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 21 CitationsAbstract
With the number of individuals older than 65 years expected to rise significantly over the next few decades, dramatic changes to our society and health care system will need to take place to meet their needs. Age-related changes in muscle mass and body composition along with medical comorbidities including stroke, dementia, and depression place elderly adults at high risk for developing malnutrition and frailty. This loss of function and decline in muscle mass (ie, sarcopenia) can be associated with reduced mobility and ability to perform the task of daily living, placing the elderly at an increased risk for falls, fractures, and subsequent institutionalization, leading to a decline in the quality of life and increased mortality. There are a number of modifiable factors that can mitigate some of the muscle loss elderly experience especially when hospitalized. Due to this, it is paramount for providers to understand the pathophysiology behind malnutrition and sarcopenia, be able to assess risk factors for malnutrition, and provide appropriate nutrition support. The present review describes the pathophysiology of malnutrition, identifies contributing factors to this condition, discusses tools to assess nutritional status, and proposes key strategies for optimizing enteral nutrition therapy for the elderly.
Author List
Mundi MS, Patel J, McClave SA, Hurt RTAuthor
Jayshil Patel MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedBody Composition
Enteral Nutrition
Female
Humans
Male
Malnutrition
Nutritional Status
Nutritional Support
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Sarcopenia
