Malnutrition in the elderly.

Several factors place older patients at risk for malnutrition, including physiologic effects of aging, chronic medical disease, psychiatric disease, various psychosocial problems, and effects of medication. Many of these factors are reversible but require early recognition and assessment. Cholesterol and albumin measurements may help confirm a diagnosis of malnutrition, but the most important indicator is weight loss. The primary interventions for nutritional compromise are increasing caloric, protein, and fluid intakes. Nutritional supplements may need to be prescribed for repletion and maintenance. Other nutrition-promoting interventions include exercise, avoiding constipation, and dental care.