Abstract
The physiopathological decline in appetite and food intake known as “anorexia of aging” can lead to involuntary weight loss and protein-energy malnutrition, with devastating consequences in older men and women. Food intake can be influenced by numerous endogenous and exogenous factors, both physiological and pathological: mechanisms underlying age-related anorexia are multifactorial, and not completely understood. Early recognition of anorexia, nutritional and pharmacological interventions can help prevent the development of malnutrition and poor clinical outcome in the elderly.
Keywords: Anorexia, elderly, weight loss, protein-energy malnutrition
17