Nutritional Requirements for Older Adults Affecting Oral Health

Question 1

What is the most common nutritional disorder in older adults?

Answer 1

Obesity.

Question 2

What chronic diseases does obesity contribute to in older adults?

Answer 2

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Question 3

How does obesity affect age-related physical decline?

Answer 3

It exacerbates physical decline, leading to frailty.

Question 4

What are common risk factors for malnutrition in older adults?

Answer 4

Less education and income
housebound status
physical disabilities
depression
drastic life changes.

Question 5

How do dietary restrictions for chronic disease management affect nutrition?

Answer 5

They can lead to confusion and inadequate nutrition.

Question 6

How can cancer treatments affect eating habits?

Answer 6

Through loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, xerostomia, or taste changes.

Question 7

What are indicators of malnutrition risk related to the oral cavity?

Answer 7

Chewing, swallowing, and mouth pain.

Question 8

How do changes in taste and smell affect food choices?

Answer 8

They increase cariogenic food choices.

Question 9

How does reduced antimicrobial properties of saliva affect oral health?

Answer 9

It increases oral health risks.

Question 9

What effect does xerostomia have on food choices?

Answer 9

It leads to the avoidance of crunchy, dry, and sticky foods.

Question 10

What is dental stomatitis linked to, and what does it increase the risk of?

Answer 10

It is linked to high sugar intake and increases the risk of Candida.

Question 11

How can periodontal disease affect nutrition?

Answer 11

It can lead to weight loss.

Question 12

What is the relationship between reduced tooth count and diet?

Answer 12

Reduced tooth count correlates with lower fruit and vegetable intake and decreased levels of essential nutrients.

Question 13

What issue do denture wearers face related to nutrition?

Answer 13

Reduced masticatory efficiency.

Question 14

How does hypogeusia affect food preferences?

Answer 14

It alters food preferences due to loss of taste.

Question 15

What is the prevalence of edentulism in those over 85 years old?

Answer 15

It is higher in individuals over 85 years old.

Question 16

How do weight fluctuations affect denture fit?

Answer 16

They lead to ulcers and discomfort due to poor fit.

Question 17

What is dysphagia, and how does it affect nutrition?

Answer 17

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing due to esophageal motility issues, leading to slow eating and inadequate intake.

Question 18

What does a decreased hydrochloric acid secretion affect nutrient absorption?

Answer 18

It affects calcium, iron, and vitamin B12 absorption.

Question 19

What causes constipation, and what can help alleviate it?

Answer 19

Altered motility causes constipation, and fiber, hydration, and physical activity help alleviate it.

Question 20

What condition reduces hydrochloric acid production and affects digestion?

Answer 20

Atrophic gastritis (chronic stomach inflammation).

Question 21

How does aging affect hydration status?

Answer 21

Aging reduces thirst sensation, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Question 22

How does dehydration affect dentures?

Answer 22

It may cause dentures to become ill-fitting.

Question 23

what chronic illnesses impair fluid balance?

Answer 23

Chronic illnesses, such as heart and kidney disease, impair fluid balance.

Question 24

What is a leading cause of confusion in older adults?

Answer 24

Dehydration.

Question 25

Why might older adults avoid drinking water?

Answer 25

Due to mobility issues, medication side effects, and kidney function decline.

Question 25

How does inactivity affect muscle mass and risk of falls?

Answer 25

Inactivity contributes to muscle loss and increases fall risk.

Question 26

What happens to bone resorption as individuals age?

Answer 26

Bone resorption progresses rapidly with age.

Question 27

How does lean body mass change with age?

Answer 27

Lean body mass declines up to 0.4% annually after age 45, while adipose tissue increases.

Question 28

What is sarcopenia, and what does it involve?

Answer 28

Sarcopenia is the reduction of skeletal muscle mass, which replaces muscle with fat.

Question 29

How does declining lean body mass affect metabolism?

Answer 29

It decreases basal metabolic rate.

Question 30

How do energy and protein needs change with age?

Answer 30

Caloric needs decrease with age, but protein needs remain constant, proportional to body weight. High-quality protein (25-30 g per meal) supports muscle protein synthesis.

Question 30

How does bone loss affect older adults?

Answer 30

It increases fracture risk and disability.

Question 31

What financial and food access challenges do older adults face?

Answer 31

Fixed incomes, inflation, medical costs, limited transportation, and inability to drive.

Question 32

What psychological factors affect appetite and diet in older adults?

Answer 32

Apathy, depression, and loneliness reduce appetite and lead to poor dietary intake.

Question 33

What vitamin deficiencies are common in older adults?

Answer 33

Vitamin D insufficiency (30% of those over 60 in winter) reduced vitamin B12 absorption (10-30%) vitamin B6 and B12 that mimic dementia symptoms.

Question 34

How do vitamins and minerals support older adults' health?

Answer 34

Increased folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 support cognitive function and reduce coronary artery disease risk. Calcium supports bone mass magnesium absorption is affected by aging.

Question 35

What are recommended snacks for older adults?

Answer 35

Cheese, hard-boiled eggs, low-fat milk products, bananas, canned fruit, and milk-based supplements like instant breakfast mix.

Question 35

What are common dietary issues among older adults?

Answer 35

Poor diets, low consumption of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, especially for those living alone, and limited milk intake due to cost and inconvenience.

Question 35

What mineral intake adjustments should older adults make?

Answer 35

Calcium intake (1,200 mg/day) supports bone health, and sodium should be adjusted for hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Question 36

How do social isolation and missing teeth impact diet?

Answer 36

They increase the risk of dietary inadequacies.

Question 36

How does food preference affect older adults' nutrition?

Answer 36

Soft food preferences reduce protein intake and increase simple carbohydrate consumption.

Question 37

What dietary guidelines should older adults follow?

Answer 37

Increase whole grains, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy, and reduce sodium and added sugars.

Question 37

Why are older adults more susceptible to foodborne illnesses?

Answer 37

Due to compromised immune function, decreased stomach acid, and reduced taste and smell.

Question 38

What food selection recommendations are made for older adults?

Answer 38

Choose fresh, frozen, or no-salt-added vegetables/fruits, reduced-sodium beans, rinse canned items in syrup/fluids, and use unsalted nuts and dried fruits as snacks.

Question 38

What are the recommended daily doses for key supplements for older adults?

Answer 38

Calcium (≤2,500 mg), Vitamin D (≤4,000 IU), Vitamin B12 (2.4 µg), and Omega-3 (consider fish oil supplements).

Question 39

Why do many older adults take dietary supplements?

Answer 39

Due to poor eating habits or medical advice.

Question 40

What condition can result from age-related macular degeneration?

Answer 40

Central vision loss due to retinal deterioration.