Although nutrition deficiencies were readily apparent, almost 4 out of every 5 malnourished seniors had never received a malnutrition diagnosis, reports a study that appeared in Annals of Emergency Medicine in August 2014.
Doctors neglecting nutrition warning signs
The lead author of the study, Dr.Timothy Platts-Mills of the University of North Carolina, said that his research team was shocked by the high incidence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk in seniors admitted to emergency rooms. However, they were even more stunned “that most malnourished patients had never been told they were malnourished.”
A diverse set of factors contribute to malnutrition and unwanted weight loss among older patients, including:
- anxiety and other mood disorders
- poor dental health
- trouble accessing and transporting groceries.
Although this data is disturbing, the trend of oversight can be quickly turned on its head: seniors are admitted to emergency rooms over 20 million times annually, so emergency doctors could intervene for more powerful impacts on patients’ nutrition, strength, and lives.
Most older adults at risk
Among the population studied by the medical scholars (adults aged at least 65 years), 16% suffered from malnutrition, while 60% had at least one malnutrition risk factor. Of those currently suffering from malnutrition, 77% had never received an appropriate diagnosis. The malnourished population often shared one or more risk factors:
- depression – 52%
- residing at an assisted living facility – 50%
- trouble chewing and/or swallowing food – 38%
- inaccessibility to grocery shopping – 33%.
Almost all (96%) of those who participated in the study were covered by health insurance of some sort. Over one in three (35%) had earned a secondary education degree.
Malnutrition is not just a matter of undesirable weight loss but inability of the body to protect itself due to depletion of protein, calories, or essential vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Platts-Mills offered ideas for emergency room physicians or concerned family members to assist. The following programs could all be helpful for those who have trouble getting the food they need:
- Supplemental Nutrition Program
- Meals on Wheels
- Congregate Meals Programs.
Furthermore, Dr. Platts-Mills noted that “implementation of oral nutritional supplementation is inexpensive and may reduce overall costs by accelerating recovery.”
What about allergies?
One aspect of nutrition that is not addressed above is allergies. A United Kingdom study published in June found that people with diagnosed allergies were more likely to be malnourished. Get your ALCAT allergy test today!