Identifying Those at Risk for Malnutrition in Elderly Populations: A Review of the
Research
Malnutrition is a major health issue among the elderly, with potentially devastating
consequences on physical and mental health. Research has indicated that one in three seniors
is at risk of malnutrition (Corish & Bardon, 2019), making it essential to identify those who
suffer from undernourishment or are susceptible to malnutrition. Early recognition and
amelioration can be less expensive than reverting to deficient nutrition late in life (Isenring et
al., 2012). This paper reviews research on how dietary status affects health outcomes for
elderly populations, as well as examines current methods of nutritional identification used by
medical professionals working with aging adults. It also seeks to discuss ways of early-
detecting signs of malnourishment so individuals may be provided appropriate care in due
time. The benefit of timely attention not only extends individual lives but preserves our
healthcare systems' resources. By exploring these issues further, we will look into strategies
that improve predictions related to senior dietary demands while securing increased quality
care within this population going forward.
The article by Corish and Bardon (2019) will form the basis for this discussion. The
authors examine different methods used to identify individuals: existing demographic factors
associated with increased malnutrition risks; oral dietary assessments; anthropometric
measurements such as BMI; biochemical elements present in blood indicative of nutritional
status; and quality-of-life components which could be indicative of poor nutrition. This paper
will review these methods in terms of their effectiveness in identifying those at risk or
malnourished as well as how to screen for malnutrition among the elderly, with particular
attention paid to associations between nutritional status and health outcomes.
Article Search
, The article by Corish & Bardon (2019) was chosen from the latest search on Medline
using key search terms such as "malnutrition screening", "elderly", and "health outcomes".
After searching different databases including CINAHL Plus Full Text, PsycINFO, Ovid
MEDLINE®, and ProQuest Medical Library available via EBSCOhost among others, I found
this article published in 2019 demonstrating evidence linking to current research on
malnutrition identification/screening amongst the aged care population particularly links
associated with health outcomes. Further, the article was of suitable scope for supporting
argument to my chosen topic. As such this paper will help explore associations between
nutritional status and health outcomes amongst the aged care population based on evidence-
based research by Corish & Bardon (2019).
Article Findings
The authors of the selected article Corish & Bardon (2019) reviewed various previous
studies to determine the main factors associated with the risk of malnutrition among the
elderly. They found that chronic illnesses often interfere with the intake, absorption, and
storage of energy as well as other nutrients necessary for metabolic function (Corish &
Bardon, 2019). In addition to age-related diminished lean mass accumulation or impaired
cognition; these will likely increase the susceptibility individuals have regarding nutritional
deficiencies (Isenring et al., 2012). Other findings concerning demographic issues
emphasize that more females remain malnourished than males in comparison (Corish &
Bardon, 2019). It should also be noted that some examinations operate better regarding our
desired population which includes methods such as short nutrient recurrence interrogations
concerning recent dietary activities and allude to numerous oral signs that may appear such
as dental problems when dealing with nourishment occasions amongst seniors (Isenring et
al., 2012)
Results were also reported highlighting current practices where anthropometric
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