Lesson Summary

Geriatric Syndrome encompasses a multifactorial condition prevalent in older adults with accumulated impairments in multiple systems. Common syndromes include cognitive impairment, depression, falls, frailty, incontinence, and malnutrition.

• Screenings are tests to evaluate health conditions before symptoms appear, allowing for early management and referral to providers.
• Assessments involve tests to evaluate presenting problems, confirm diagnoses, and determine severity for appropriate treatment.
• Treatment by age-friendly providers considers the patient's preferences and involves effective communication with the care team.

Malnutrition, as defined by the WHO, covers deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in energy or nutrients intake leading to undernutrition or overnutrition. Undernutrition in older adults is more common and impacts physical function, often due to inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, appetite loss, or disease effects.

• Malnutrition in older adults can cost up to $51.3 billion yearly and is associated with longer hospital stays, decreased quality of life, increased morbidity, and other adverse effects.
• Risk factors for undernutrition include poverty, endocrine disorders, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

Screening tools such as weight measurements and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) can help identify malnutrition. Treatment involves addressing underlying causes, lifting restrictions on dietary intake, providing supplements, and considering appetite stimulant medications.

• Appetite stimulant medications like Megestrol Acetate, Dronabinol, and Mirtazapine may be considered, each with potential adverse effects.
• Unintentional weight loss mnemonic "Meals on Wheels" helps in recognizing treatable causes, proposed to assess medication effects, emotional problems, eating issues, and more.

In a case study of Mrs. Trujillo, an 82-year-old experiencing weight loss due to transport challenges during the pandemic, age-friendly care involves a comprehensive assessment, referral to community resources, and considerations beyond conventional responses to ensure adequate care.