TY - JOUR
T1 - The anorexia of ageing
T2 - Physiopathology, prevalence, associated comorbidity and mortality. A systematic review
AU - Malafarina, Vincenzo
AU - Uriz-Otano, Francisco
AU - Gil-Guerrero, Lucía
AU - Iniesta, Raquel
PY - 2013/4/1
Y1 - 2013/4/1
N2 - The physiological processes of ageing and factors prevalent in the elderly such as comorbidities and polypharmacy often cause loss of appetite in the elderly, which we call anorexia of ageing. Social factors, together with changes in the sensory organs, can be important causes of a reduction in both appetite and ingestion. This review assesses the regulation of appetite in the elderly and the development of anorexia of ageing. It also examines the prevalence of this type of anorexia, its associated comorbidities and mortality rates. We have reviewed 27 studies, with a total of 6208 patients. These reported changes in the secretion and response of both central and peripheral hormones that regulate appetite. Anorexia, very prevalent among hospitalized and institutionalized elderly people, is associated with comorbidity and represents a predictive factor for mortality. No treatment for it has been proved to be effective. The mechanism regulating ingestion in elderly people is complex and difficult to resolve. Comorbidity as a cause or a consequence of anorexia of ageing has become a research field of great interest in geriatrics. A correct nutritional evaluation is a fundamental part of an integrated geriatric assessment.
AB - The physiological processes of ageing and factors prevalent in the elderly such as comorbidities and polypharmacy often cause loss of appetite in the elderly, which we call anorexia of ageing. Social factors, together with changes in the sensory organs, can be important causes of a reduction in both appetite and ingestion. This review assesses the regulation of appetite in the elderly and the development of anorexia of ageing. It also examines the prevalence of this type of anorexia, its associated comorbidities and mortality rates. We have reviewed 27 studies, with a total of 6208 patients. These reported changes in the secretion and response of both central and peripheral hormones that regulate appetite. Anorexia, very prevalent among hospitalized and institutionalized elderly people, is associated with comorbidity and represents a predictive factor for mortality. No treatment for it has been proved to be effective. The mechanism regulating ingestion in elderly people is complex and difficult to resolve. Comorbidity as a cause or a consequence of anorexia of ageing has become a research field of great interest in geriatrics. A correct nutritional evaluation is a fundamental part of an integrated geriatric assessment.
KW - Anorexia of ageing
KW - Appetite regulation
KW - Elderly
KW - Loss of appetite
KW - Nutritional intervention
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84875212707&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.01.016
DO - 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.01.016
M3 - Review article
C2 - 23415063
AN - SCOPUS:84875212707
SN - 0378-5122
VL - 74
SP - 293
EP - 302
JO - Maturitas
JF - Maturitas
IS - 4
ER -