Tag: Elderly health

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, individuals who score “six (6) or higher on the DETERMINE Your Nutritional Health checklist” are considered at high nutritional risk. The answer to what the D in Nutrition Risk Screening Initiative determine acronym stands for is Disease, which highlights the critical link between chronic illness and poor nutritional health. This checklist is a cornerstone of the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI), designed to empower older adults to evaluate their own nutritional well-being.

The average person has between 2,000 and 10,000 taste buds at birth, but this number and their sensitivity diminish over time, starting around middle age. This biological reality leads many people to wonder, 'do you like sugar less as you get older?'

While most healthy individuals can meet their vitamin B needs through a balanced diet, certain populations, such as older adults, pregnant women, and those with specific health conditions, may be at a higher risk of deficiency and benefit from daily supplementation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, and liver damage are primary reasons a resident may be placed on a fluid restricted diet. This medical directive is a key part of managing fluid balance and overall health, especially in a residential care setting.

According to a 2018 meta-analysis in JAMA, supplementation with calcium or vitamin D alone was not associated with a significantly reduced risk of fractures in healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Whether calcium reduces fracture risk is complex and varies by population and nutrient source.

Up to 65% of people who have had a stroke may experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, which can significantly alter their ability to eat and drink safely. This condition can transform the simple act of eating from a source of pleasure and nourishment into a source of anxiety and risk.

According to the World Health Organization, every country worldwide is affected by one or more forms of malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition. Recognizing the specific factors that increase an individual's vulnerability is the first step toward effective prevention and intervention.

Up to 40% of the general population, including many meat-eaters, may have low-normal or deficient B12 blood levels. While animal products are the primary dietary source, simply consuming meat does not guarantee adequate levels. The complex journey of B12 absorption means various underlying factors can disrupt your body's ability to utilize this vital nutrient, regardless of your diet.

Though often considered a disease of the past, recent studies have shown a troubling rise in pediatric scurvy cases in the US, tripling between 2016 and 2020. While severe vitamin C deficiency is uncommon, it is important to understand who is at risk for scurvy and the modern factors contributing to this disease.

According to a University of Wisconsin study, 40% of geriatric patients experiencing memory issues were deficient in at least one key vitamin for brain health. A wide range of nutrients, from vitamin B12 to omega-3s, are crucial for proper cognitive function, and a shortage of any of them can impact memory and mental clarity.