Abstract 

Ageing is associated with a reduction in appetite and food intake, which is termed the 'anorexia of ageing'. The anorexia of old age may be caused by physiological, psychological, medical or social factors.

Objectives

Simplified Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) is a simple screening tool to predict weight loss in the elderly. The purpose of this work is to investigate weather the SNAQ influence by each factor differently. This will provide us with a key to the main factor, which causes anorexia of old age, and how to take care of it, prevent, or delay the anorexia of old age and its implications.

Working hypothesis

The different factors that cause the anorexia of old age have varying impact on unwanted weight loss

Methodology

Subjects: 100 independently living elders in the community and parent homes, aged 70 + years.
The recruitment will be performed by applying to parent homes, day care centers, and recruitment from the community.
Criterion to enroll – men and women age 70+ years, living in parent homes, day care centers, and from the community. Full or partly functioning.
Criterion for excluded - chronic diarrhea (over 3 days), cancer patients who are receiving radiation, or chemotherapy treatment, or are suffering from dementia, or enteral nutrition.
Course of the work
Stage I – screening interview according to exclusion Criterion.
An elderly that suits the criterion must sign a written informed consent.
Stage II – anthropometry measurements (weight and height).
Stage III – Olfactory identification will be assessed by Smell Identification Test.
        Filled questionnaires: - SNAQ assessment tool
- sociodemographic data
- medication and food additive
- oral condition evaluation
- nutrition evaluation by Mini Nutritional Assessment
- mental functioning evaluation by Minimental
- emotional state by Geriatric Depression Scale

Taste identification will be assessed by a Taste Identification Test.
 
Significance of the proposed research

The significance of this research is to prevent the complications of anorexia of old age. Since the population of the elderly is increasing, there is a great importance for findings ways to improve the quality of life of elderly, and prevent deterioration. The repercussions are on the individual’s side and on the economic side.

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