Psychogeriatric aspects of nutrition

Abstract:

Longer life span leads to an increase in both physical and mental disorders that require early recognition and preventive action. Mental disorders in the elderly and malnutrition often have common risk factors (loneliness, physical illness, poor functionality, financial problems), are interrelated and synergistically lead to a frailty syndrome. The most common mental illnesses that can lead to malnutrition in the geriatric population are depression, dementia, delirium and psychotic states. Therefore, awareness of the need to assess physical and mental status is necessary in working with the elderly.

Key words:
delirium; depression; frailty; malnutrition; mental disorders