Unplanned weight loss in the elderly
Your doctor may also suggest a change in what you eat. A reasonable work-up includes tests dictated by the history and physical examination, a fecal occult blood test, a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, an ultrasensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone test and a urinalysis. It may be caused by a medical problem, so be sure to see your doctor if you are losing weight without trying. 1, 2 When a patient has multiple medical problems and is taking several medications, the differential diagnosis of unintentional weight loss can be extensive. Consequences of Weight Loss Pathophysiology Differential Diagnosis Evaluation Evaluation in the Long-Term Care Facility Treatment Final Comment References Elderly patients with unintentional weight loss are at higher risk for infection, depression and death. In older adults, memory problems such as dementia can lead to weight loss. Management is directed at treating underlying causes and providing nutritional support. D. Other causes of unplanned weight loss include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, alcohol or drug abuse, and emotional stress and anxiety. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medicines that help you gain weight. Video: Cancer Takes a Toll on a Small Town. , Brooke Grove Foundation, Sandy Spring, Maryland Am Fam Physician. A specific cause is not identified in approximately one quarter of elderly patients with unintentional weight loss. Your doctor may suggest that you see a dietitian, who can help you develop a meal plan that fits your lifestyle. Upper gastrointestinal studies have a reasonably high yield in selected patients. Unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient can be difficult to evaluate. , by unmasking problems such as anxiety).
Colon Cancer on the Rise Among Young Adults. Lots of medical problems can cause you to lose weight without trying. Unplanned weight loss means losing weight without trying to. Evaluating and Treating Unintentional Weight Loss in the Elderly. The leading causes of involuntary weight loss are depression (especially in residents of long-term care facilities), cancer (lung and gastrointestinal malignancies), cardiac disorders and benign gastrointestinal diseases. GRACE BROOKE HUFFMAN, M. Medications that may cause nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, dysgeusia and anorexia have been implicated. If another problem is causing your weight loss, your doctor will treat that problem. These include an overactive thyroid gland, long-term infections, mouth or throat problems that make it hard to eat, digestive problems, depression, diabetes, COPD, and cancer. Polypharmacy can cause unintended weight loss, as can psychotropic medication reduction (i. Sleep Loss Tied to Changes in Gut Bacteria. Avoid using expensive supplements for quick weight gain. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to gain weight. Consequences of Weight Loss Pathophysiology Differential Diagnosis Evaluation Evaluation in the Long-Term Care Facility Treatment Final Comment References Article Sections. e. Asprin: The Wonder Drug in Your Medicine Cabinet. Accurate evaluation is essential, however, because this problem is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
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