LOSS OF APPETITE - MANAGING UNWANTED WEIGHT-LOSS IN THE OLDER PATIENT

Loss of appetite, regardless of cause, is a significant symptom that m ay cause extreme weight loss in older patients. The consequences of an orexia include muscle wasting, weakness, depression, increased suscept ibility to disease complications, and decreased immunocompetence. In t he older population, the major causes of anorexia are pulmonary and ca rdiac diseases, cancer, dementia, alcoholism, depression, and medicati ons. The diagnosis is based on the physical exam, a history of weight loss, and a review of dietary intake. Treatment strategies include man aging GI disturbances, encouraging physical activity and socialization , reducing fatigue and food aversions, and adding high-calorie supplem ents of the diet.