ABSTRACT
Abstract .................................................................................................................. 218 Key Points.............................................................................................................. 218 13.1 Introduction................................................................................................ 218 13.2 Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment ....................................................... 219 13.3 Assessment of Nutritional Status: Medical Evaluation ............................ 220
13.3.1 Geriatric Syndromes.................................................................... 220 13.3.1.1 Polypharmacy ............................................................ 220 13.3.1.2 Falls............................................................................ 222 13.3.1.3 Weight Loss ............................................................... 222 13.3.1.4 Incontinence............................................................... 224
13.3.2 Sensory Assessment .................................................................... 225 13.3.2.1 Vision......................................................................... 225 13.3.2.2 Hearing ...................................................................... 225 13.3.2.3 Taste/Smell ................................................................ 225
13.3.3 Prevention/Screening................................................................... 226 13.3.4 Cognitive Assessment ................................................................. 226
13.3.4.1 Delirium..................................................................... 226 13.3.4.2 Dementia.................................................................... 226 13.3.4.3 Depression ................................................................. 227
13.3.5 Functional Assessment ................................................................ 228 13.4 Assessment of Nutritional Status: Psychosocial Evaluation .................... 229
13.4.1 Social Factors .............................................................................. 229 13.4.2 Financial Factors ......................................................................... 230 13.4.3 Cultural Factors ........................................................................... 230 13.4.4 Spiritual Factors .......................................................................... 231
13.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................. 231 References.............................................................................................................. 231
Nutritional disorders are common in the older population. Chronic medical conditions and geriatric syndromes frequently coexist with these nutritional disorders. It is important to assess older adults for the presence of nutritional deficiencies, especially in the setting of weight loss or anorexia. The use of a comprehensive approach is especially beneficial in this population given the extent and complexity of medical illnesses. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a specialized assessment of older adults who already have or are at risk for developing functional disabilities, cognitive impairment, geriatric syndromes, or psychosocial deficits. CGA can uncover important medical and nutritional conditions that may otherwise be undetected.
