Reasons For Unexplained Weight Loss In Elderly

Often a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss.

Reasons for unexplained weight loss in elderly. What follows is a list of diverse causes that may be at the root of unintentional weight loss in seniors. Unexplained weight loss has many causes medical and nonmedical. What are the causes of unexplained weight loss.

A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you ve. As a caregiver or family member here are some of the possible causes of weight loss to explore with your older relative and their doctor. Unintentional weight loss i e more than a 5 reduction in body weight within six to 12 months occurs in 15 to 20 of older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 1 in.

This would be equivalent to a 200 pound man losing 10 pounds or a 130 pound woman losing 6 to 7 pounds. Unexplained weight loss or losing weight without trying can be a cause for concern. Such weight losses typically are caused by diseases or even treatments that are pre existing and can help alert caregivers to a health concern before a doctor s appointment arrives.

Usually an unrecognized cancer will have other symptoms or abnormalities of laboratory tests in addition to unexplained weight loss. Many older adults lose weight as they age which is not necessarily a good thing. As dementia progresses challenges with mobility chewing memory confusion suspicion and appetite decline can lead to weight loss.

It might indicate an underlying condition. Unexplained weight loss is defined as the unintentional loss of at least 10 pounds or 5 of body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months. Elderly patients with unintentional weight loss are at higher risk for infection depression and death.

Sometimes a specific cause isn t found. The leading causes of involuntary weight loss are depression especially in residents of. When an older adult loses five percent or more of their weight over a period of six months and they are not specifically working on weight loss this could be cause for alarm.