Nutritional status can be easily assessed, and problems can often be addressed quickly. Key questions about diet, appetite and weight should be on the menu of any Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.
Dr Alicja Baczynska considers the association between frailty and poor dietary choices.
Whereas the effects of protein intake to stave off frailty have been studied, the effects of specific nutrients have not, until now.
By the time someone with dementia moves into a care home, they may already be experiencing significant weight loss and other nutrition-related problems. This may trigger further physical and mental deterioration.
The incidence of under nutrition among patients admitted to hospitals in UK is around 28% and is 25% greater in older people. Under nutrition results in longer lengths of stay in hospital. In care homes, 30% of residents were found to be undernourished.
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