Protein-calorie malnutrition in the elderly: diagnostic methods and epidemiology

Epidemiology: Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is highly prevalent among elderly persons living in the community (4%), hospitalized in acute care un its or geriatric rehabilitation units (50%), or in long-term care facilitie s (30 - 40%). PCM is the first predictor of poor prognosis in the elderly. Diagnosis: Parameters used to establish the diagnosis of PCM and identify i ts pathophysiology are both simple and inexpensive: body mass index, plasma albumin and CRP, arm circumference and skin fold thickness. Consequences: Because of its frequency and consequences on morbidity and mo rtality in the elderly, PCM is an important public health problem in indust rialized countries.