Even though we understand that good nutrition is crucial for overall health and well-being, malnutrition remains a concern for many people. While it is easy to conclude that malnutrition results from not having access to food or not having the financial resources to buy it, things are a lot more complicated, especially for seniors. Malnutrition is a growing problem among seniors, so it is important to understand why it happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Dysgeusia (Reduced Sense of Taste)
Changes in the sense of taste or a reduced sense of taste are quite common as we get older. Some people lose their sense of taste completely, while others experience a metallic, salty, or bitter taste.
There are many causes of dysgeusia, including smoking, medications, oral health issues, inflammation, nerve damage, and neurological disorder.
The best way of dealing with dysgeusia is to eliminate the underlying condition. For example, a medical professional can vary or change medications to eliminate the issue. Consider limiting the number of ingredients used in foods to eliminate different tastes and textures from mixing and producing an unpleasant taste.
Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties)
Dysphagia is characterized by an inability to drink, eat and swallow. It is a serious condition that affects about one in six seniors and is a leading cause of malnutrition.
Some of the most common causes of swallowing difficulties include medication side effects, loss of throat muscle strength and function as one ages, stroke, neuromuscular disorders including ALS, dementia, and many others.
While many interventions work for people with dysphagia, a common way to deal with the malnutrition it causes is to thicken foods and beverages. For this, you can use thickeners like Simplythick gel thickening agent to make food and liquids much easier to swallow.
Dementia
Dementia encompasses several progressive and neurodegenerative diseases that impair cognitive function, memory, and numerous other aspects of one’s life. Malnutrition follows the associated memory issues when one forgets to eat or whether they have eaten, and the inability to prepare and serve nutritious meals.
The best intervention, in this case, is having professional care for a loved one with dementia. The professional will know whether they have eaten and, in many cases, prepare nutritious meals and ensure they have eaten. In cases where this is not an option, living care facilities that provide care to a loved one with dementia can be incredibly helpful.
Dental Problems
Dental problems are another common cause of malnutrition in seniors. Poor oral health can reduce the ability to chew, swallow, and enjoy food. If a loved one is not eating enough due to oral health issues, they could become malnourished.
You can help a loved one with this issue by having them visit a dentist. The dentist will ensure they receive the care they need so they can enjoy food again. Consider in-home care or living care facilities if their oral health issues are tied to dementia.
Conclusion
Malnutrition in seniors is quite common and is easy to notice if you know what to look for. A loved one may seem lethargic, lose weight quickly, or have other health issues associated with malnutrition. It is best to find out the cause of malnutrition and deal with it directly. You can also have a doctor examine them so they can provide guidance on what to do next.