|
|
Article: Weighing in on weight loss: in the elderly, unintentional weight loss sends a serious signal.(featurearticle)
- Article from:
- Nursing Homes
- Article date:
- October 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Vendome Group LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Unintentional weight loss is a common condition in the elderly and can affect up to 60% of nursing home residents. When unintentional weight loss occurs, it is an indication of declining health. Any weight loss of 5% or more of a resident's weight over a six-month period needs to be assessed, and its potential cause should be investigated. Increasing age, disability, coexisting medical illnesses, previous hospital admissions, low education level, cognitive impairment, smoking, loss of spouse, and low baseline body weight have all been associated with a higher likelihood of weight loss. (1)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Unintentional weight loss causes a ...