In the UNC study, 60 percent of nearly 140 patients 65 years and older were either malnourished or at risk of becoming so. While the problem is apparently widespread — a global study in 2010 didn’t survey EDs but found high rates of senior citizen malnutrition in multiple healthcare settings — it is rarely documented or addressed. In the study, no patients had notes in their charts indicating malnourishment.
Malnutrition can lead to a wide variety of chronic medical conditions, including muscle atrophy, fatigue and decreased overall functioning. In can also increase risk of infection, chronic illness and death. In the study group, depression, dental problems and financial and transportation issues were the main reasons the study group had problems being well-nourished.
With 20 million ED visits each year, malnutrition awareness may have significant implications for improving the health and reducing the healthcare use of elderly populations, according to the report.
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