Module 2 - Geriatric Nutrition, Hydration, and Mental Health Flashcards
(181 cards)
The ABC’s of Nutrition for the Elderly
Aim for fitness
Build a healthy body
Choose sensibly
(We use these to help the elderly to stay in good nutrition)
What is a very important factor for later ability to recover from disease and illness?
Lifelong eating habits
What are the important congressional acts to know relating to elder nutrition?
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OMBRA)
Balanced Budget Act of 1997
What was the main purpose of the OMBRA and Balanced Budget Acts?
To impact nutritional standards in LTC facilities regarding BMI, weight, I/O, hydration, pressure injuries
If you cannot follow these standards there will be monetary fines and government benefits can be removed - LTC can lose their normal reimbursement amount
Factors that contribute to malnutrition in the elderly?
Normal Physiologic Changes
Oral and GI Changes - motility slows with age and they may be edentulous or using dentures
Sensory Changes - may not hear as good or smell/taste as well
Social and Economic Changes - SS reliance –> tough decisions on rent v food, etc
Sarcopenia (Sarcopenia Obesity)
Decreased lean muscle mass
How can sarcopenia come about?
Decreased Physical Activity
Sedentary Lifestyle
Decreased Nutrition
Decreased Anabolic Hormones
Can obesity occur alongside sarcopenia?
YES
What does the vicious cycle of Sarcopenia occur?
Sarcopenia –> Functional Decline –> Loss of Strength –> Additional Loss –> Increase in Morbidity and Mortality –> REPEATS FROM SARCOPENIA
Oral and GI Changes that contribute to Malnutrition in the Elderly
Xerostomia
Dysphagia
Decreased Thirst Perception
Altered Dentition
Altered Taste and Smell
Decreased Gag Reflex
Decreased Peristalsis, Gastric Secretion and Motility (Constipation)
Altered Appetite - Anorexia of the Aging
What contributes to Altered Appetite / Anorexia of the Aging?
Increase cholecystokinin and early satiety
Stomach decreases in size
Xerostomia
dry mouth
try to encourage fluids with this
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
could be from something like stroke or another illness
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia in the Elderly?
Ask the family if they have noticed anything?
Drooling
Facial Droop, Open Mouth
Dementia, Confusion, LOC
Increased nasal or oral secretions
Weak voice; cough
Slurred speech
Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Pocketing of Food
What are some causes of Dysphagia in the Elderly
Neurologic Disorders
Muscular Disorders
Anatomical Abnormalities (like tumors)
What happens to intestinal absorption, motility, and blood flow with age?
Decreases
What happens to pancreas size with age and what causes it?
Decrease
Duct Hyperplasia and Lobular Fibrosis
What happens to the incidence of cholelithiasis and amount of bile with aging?
Cholelithiasis incidence increases but bile decreases
Cholelithiasis
Gallstones
What happens to liver size and flow with age?
Decreases
What happens with medication use and adverse drug reactions in the elderly?
Use of medication increases, and the poly-pharmacy increases the possibility of adverse drug reactions
What percentage of change in weight means malnutrition in the elderly?
Loss of 5% body weight in 1 month
or
Loss of 10% Body weight in 6 months
Everything ___ ___ with age!
slows down
Do older adults present in a similar way like an adult patient?
No
Typically an adult may present more s/s with an adult making things less obvious –> gotta be very observent