1. Side Effects of Unintentional Weight Loss
Weight loss is typically considered a good thing--we are all aware of the obesity and excess weight epidemic we are facing. But what about unintentional weight loss? Certainly, many illnesses--cancers, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's--have unintentional weight loss associated with them. Elderly men who are losing weight unintentionally may face the unfortunate side effects related to unintentional weight loss--muscle wasting, higher risk for infection, depression, increased complications from concurrent diseases and an increased mortality rate. Loss of nutrition, energy and strength will eventually compromise health.
2. Is it Chronic Pain?
Pain is often considered a normal and expected part of aging. Elderly men can often be stoic and refrain from reporting any pain that they are experiencing. A desire to not to be a bother and continue to be independent may also influence their decision not to admit pain. Chronic pain can, however cause health problems and should and can be treated. Chronic pain sufferers can also fall victim to depression, loss of appetite and decreased levels of activity. All of these factors can contribute to weight loss which in turn can contribute to a decline in health and wellness. If you are living with pain, ask for help.
3. Depression
Significant life changes may lead to a loss of existing support networks (retirement, death of a spouse, siblings and friends, relocation) which can facilitate depression. Family members and health care providers begin to expect slow downs in people with advancing age--possibly further delaying diagnosis and needed treatment. Depression often comes with the unfortunate side effect of weight loss. Loss of appetite, loss of interest in life, lack of energy can all lead to weight loss
4. Weight Loss as an Early Sign?
There has long been observation that people suffering from Alzheimer's are thinner and frailer than their healthier counterparts. It now seems that this weight loss was a possible sign of things to come--a long term study reports that elderly men lost an average of 10 percent of their body weight several years prior to their diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. This weight loss seems to come several years before any memory begins to fade and well before any diagnosis has been decided. Weight loss commonly continues throughout dementia and Alzheimer's--loss of appetite, distraction and confusion are all thought to contribute.
5. Medications
Elderly individuals are often on many different medications to control, treat and manage a range of diseases and conditions. Taking a large number of medications--often referred to as polypharmacy--can contribute to unintentional weight loss as can medications that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and dysphagia. Reducing psychotropic medications may also lead to an unintentional weight loss. All weight loss in elderly men should be investigated for organic, pharmaceutical and mental contributors.
