Table of contents:
- Various causes of anorexia in old age
- 1. Inflammation of the brain
- 2. Decreased function of the sense of smell and taste
- 3. Decreased function of the digestive tract
- 4. Poor emotional condition
- Health effects of anorexia in old age
- Things you can do to treat anorexia in old age
Elderly is an age group where a person has experienced various decreases in bodily functions. This condition not only makes individuals over the age of 50 more susceptible to disease, but also eating disorder anorexia. In contrast to anorexia that occurs in younger individuals, anorexia in the elderly can not only be influenced by disease and psychiatric factors, but also be triggered by physical conditions due to the aging process.
Anorexia in the elderly is defined as a loss of appetite and / or a decrease in the amount of food intake that occurs in elderly individuals. Although in general the decrease in food intake and body activity occurs in the elderly, anorexia conditions cause the elderly to lose reserves and do not get enough nutrition. This causes more serious health effects such as impaired organ function and increases the risk of death.
Various causes of anorexia in old age
1. Inflammation of the brain
The aging process triggers inflammation in the hypothalamus brain that plays a role in and regulates peripheral stimuli from fat cells, nutritional intake, and hormones. Inflammation of the brain causes hormonal imbalance because the brain in the elderly experiences an inhibition to respond to the hunger hormone ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK). As a result, the elderly are more likely to lose weight because they tend to lose their hunger.
2. Decreased function of the sense of smell and taste
Elderly people also tend to have a decreased desire to eat something because they are not able to smell and taste food. Moreover, the elderly generally lose the ability to taste sweet and salty taste first, so it is very easy to lose their appetite because they feel bored and cannot enjoy food. The decrease in the function of the sense of smell and taste also depends on conditions caused by disease, drug side effects and smoking.
3. Decreased function of the digestive tract
Obstacles in the digestive tract such as loss of teeth to smooth food and decreased gastric acid secretion make it difficult for the body to absorb food. What's more, the stomach is still filled with food because it is absorbed too slowly, causing the elderly to eat less food and interfering with the work of hormones to send hunger signals. Impaired absorption of food can also be caused by side effects or drug interactions that are taken for a short time.
4. Poor emotional condition
Social environment and depression are the most common factors causing anorexia in the elderly. Elderly people are more likely to isolate themselves because of losing their loved ones or living alone, this can cause loss of appetite and lead to anorexia. While depression in the elderly is more often triggered by stress and decreased cognitive function, in the end the depressed elderly tend to lose their appetite.
Health effects of anorexia in old age
Anorexia conditions can cause weight loss which is actually dangerous for the elderly because it triggers the loss of muscle mass and decreased function, including the muscles of the respiratory organs. Not getting enough nutritional intake, aka malnutrition, also causes a decrease in immune function and is accompanied by obstacles to the function of the digestive organs, especially when the elderly have an infection. In addition, anorexia also triggers low albumin in blood serum (hypoalbuminemia) This is very dangerous because it can cause damage to various body tissues.
Things you can do to treat anorexia in old age
Although the decrease in appetite in the elderly occurs naturally, the condition of lack of food intake has a fatal impact on the elderly. Anorexia conditions can also be minimized in the following ways:
- Changing diet - This is done to overcome the feeling of saturation in the elderly with food by serving food with a variety of flavors. Avoid using too much salt and sugar, instead provide spices and herbs as a flavor enhancer.
- Invite the elderly to eat together - Solitary behavior or isolation from the social environment is one of the causes for the elderly to experience anorexia, overcome this by bringing food or talking to them to sit and eat together.
- Meet nutritional adequacy - meet the main energy needs of protein derived from meat, eggs, fish and vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruit. If the elderly eat only small amounts, fill the nutrition from dietary supplements.
- Encourage the elderly to be active - Active use of muscles is important to prevent loss of muscle mass and decreased muscle function. Being active regularly can strengthen bones and improve appetite in the elderly.
- Pay attention to the drugs consumed - There are several types of drugs that can trigger anorexia such as heart medications, anti-rheumatism, anti-depressants and laxatives. Reconsider or consult a doctor for the use of these types of drugs when the elderly experience a drastic loss of appetite.
- Check and treat disease conditions - some conditions or disorders of the mouth, stomach, and nerves (stroke) as well as depression and heart disease can eliminate appetite. Early treatment is needed before anorexia causes malnutrition.
