Signs Of Weight Loss In Elderly

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Signs of weight loss in elderly. 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. Many older adults lose weight as they age which is not necessarily a good thing. Unexplained weight loss has many causes medical and nonmedical.

Often present in people with bipolar personality and anxiety disorders weight loss is a crucial symptom of mental illness. Dropping a few pounds can be an early warning sign of conditions including cancer and dementia a recent survey found 36 of over 60s think it is fine to. Sometimes a specific cause isn t found.

Estimates suggest 13 3 of the population experiences unintentional weight loss and up to 7 experiences a loss exceeding 5 of baseline weight. Loss of smell and taste though a normal part of the aging process loss of these senses can be worsened by medication or disease which can result in anorexia. 27 of frail elders over the age of 65 experience involuntary weight loss.

Unintentional weight loss often signals serious pathology. 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. Often a combination of things results in a general decline in your health and a related weight loss.

According to the american cancer society one of the first signs may be unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more. Usually an unrecognized cancer will have other symptoms or abnormalities of laboratory tests in addition to unexplained weight loss. 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.

Depression sudden weight loss can be associated with depression social withdrawal or loss of a will to live. 2 most practitioners and researchers define unintentional weight loss as a. Sudden noticeable weight loss can happen after a stressful event although it can also be a sign of a serious illness.