The cause of anorexia and proportion of its recovery in older adults without underlying disease: Results of a retrospective study

Anorexia of aging: An international assessment of healthcare providers' knowledge and practice gaps

BACKGROUND

Anorexia of aging is a common geriatric syndrome that includes loss of appetite and/or reduced food intake, with associated undernutrition, unintended weight loss, sarcopenia, functional decline, loss of independence and other adverse health outcomes. Anorexia of aging can have multiple and severe consequences and is often overlooked by healthcare professionals (HCPs). Even more concerningly, clinicians commonly accept anorexia of aging as an inevitable part of 'normal' aging. The aim of this assessment was to identify current gaps in professional knowledge and practice in identifying and managing older persons with anorexia. Results may guide educational programmes to fill the gaps identified and therefore improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

This international assessment was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, including focus group interviews with subject matter experts and an electronic survey of practicing HCPs. The assessment was led by the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD) and was supported by in-country collaborating organizations.

RESULTS

A quantitative survey of 26 multiple-choice questions was completed by physicians, dietitians and other HCPs (n = 1545). Most HCPs (56.8%) recognize a consistent definition of anorexia of aging as a loss of appetite and/or low food intake. Cognitive changes/dementia (91%) and dysphagia (87%) are seen as the biggest risk factors. Most respondents were confident to give nutritional (62%) and physical activity (59.4%) recommendations and engaged caregivers such as family members in supporting older adults with anorexia (80.6%). Most clinicians assessed appetite at each visit (66.7%), although weight is not measured at every visit (41.5%). Apart from the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (39%), other tools to screen for appetite loss are not frequently used or no tools are used at all (29.4%). A high number of respondents (38.7%) believe that anorexia is a normal part of aging. Results show that treatment is focused on swallowing disorders (78%), dentition issues (76%) and increasing oral intake (fortified foods [75%] and oral nutritional supplements [74%]). Nevertheless, the lack of high-quality evidence is perceived as a barrier to optimal treatment (49.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this international assessment highlight the challenges in the care of older adults with or at risk for anorexia of aging. Identifying professional practice gaps between individual HCPs and team-based gaps can provide a basis for healthcare education that is addressed at root causes, targeted to specific audiences and developed to improve individual and team practices that contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Clinical approach to the older person with anorexia

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia is a challenging problem among older people. Apart from being the consequence of normal ageing, it can also be a symptom of underlying disease. Despite the high prevalence of anorexia, only few recommendations exist on the evaluation in older people. The objective of this study is to summarize evidence and provide guidance through creating a flowchart.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed through combining following keywords: older people (aged, geriatrics, older adult), anorexia (also loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss) and diagnosis. After removal of duplicates and case-reports, articles were selected based on title and abstract by two reviewers. Guidelines, reviews, studies and relevant publications discussing anorexia or unintentional weight loss were included. Relevant data were extracted and processed into a flowchart.

RESULTS

Out of 619 hits, 25 articles were included discussing either the evaluation of anorexia or unintentional weight loss. Consensus in the work-up of unintentional weight loss is to start with a detailed history and physical examination followed by full bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray and a faecal occult blood test. In certain cases, ultrasound and upper endoscopy are further recommended. In the work-up of anorexia, medication, social, psychological, logopaedic and neurocognitive aspects need to be taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

One of the main challenges of the evaluation of anorexia in older people is the lack of guidance in existing literature. Therefore, we investigated what is currently known about the management of anorexia and unintentional weight loss as well and combined best practices to form a flowchart.