Nutritional issues

Diagnosis

Elderly people often face nutrition-related health issues. When you’re admitted to the hospital, the dietitian will check for any risk of malnutrition or other diet-related issues. Depending on the results, the dietitian will develop a hydration and nutrition plan for you. You may be receive supplementary nutrition. Your body weight will be monitored weekly, and the nutrition plan will be adjusted as needed during your stay.

Below is an overview of the most common nutrition-related health issues.

• Malnutrition is caused by not getting enough food to meet the body's basic energy needs to lead an active life. It can be caused by fasting, illness, issues with swallowing, cognitive problems (forgetting to eat) and/or self-neglect.
• With malnutrition, it's not necessarily that too little food is consumed, but rather that the quality of the food is poor. There is an inadequate intake of protein, energy or vitamins and minerals. For example, too little calcium (due to a vitamin D deficiency) can lead to osteoporosis (bone thinning).
• Elderly people sometimes find it difficult to drink enough fluids. Dehydration is a common problem among the elderly. Not only do older adults often feel less thirsty, but having reduced kidney function due to damaged blood vessels can also play a role.
• Older adults sometimes experience fewer bowel contractions, which can lead to diarrhoea or constipation. Faecal incontinence is also common among the elderly. You may lose control over your bowel movements because you no longer have the urge to go or you are unable to hold it in.
• Chewing problems in the elderly can be caused by loose dentures, reduced saliva production and changes in saliva composition.
• Issues with swallowing (dysphagia) are also common. You may have difficulty initiating the swallowing, swallowing food or coordinating breathing with swallowing. These difficulties have various causes, such as neurological disorders (e.g a stroke or Parkinson's disease), local issues in the head, neck or oesophagus, medical treatments or they are part of the normal aging process. Issues with swallowing are always taken seriously. After all, if you choke or swallow the wrong way, you may develop a lung infection. The speech therapist is on hand to explain more and help you with any issues with swallowing. The texture of the food can also be adjusted, and drinks can be thickened.

Latest publication date: 02/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Desimpelaere Patrick