There are many different reasons for loss of appetite in the elderly.
Since the elderly don’t move around as much, they don’t need as many calories. However, eating less and losing too much weight, isn’t good either. If you notice that your parent’s appetite has changed and they aren’t eating as much, finding out the reason why, is the first step. With elder care, making sure to eat healthily is one of the most important things.
Thyroid Disorder
One of the main reasons for loss of appetite as someone ages is thyroid disorders. Your parent could have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If you suspect this is the case, have them talk to their doctor right away. There are medications they can get to treat these issues. Then, they can finally get their appetite back.
Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
As these 2 diseases progress, it is likely that your parent will lose their appetite. They may just forget to eat or the symptoms of the disorder may be causing their loss of appetite. Your parent may be losing weight, as well.
Chronic Liver Disease
There are many different types of liver disease. However, it is important to note that this might be the reason your parent has a loss of appetite. In fact, this is one of the first symptoms associated with liver disease. If your parent has lost their appetite, have their doctor check on the status of their liver.
Failure of the Kidneys
Kidney failure is another cause for loss of appetite in the elderly. There are many people who have experienced this as one of their symptoms. When your parent starts losing their appetite, this is another health concern that you may want to raise with their doctor.
Cancers
There are many different types of cancers out there that may cause loss of appetite. Some of the most common that cause this symptom include stomach, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. In addition, your parent may feel fatigued and have other symptoms going on, too. If you think your parent may have cancer, talk to their doctor right away. The sooner they get a diagnosis, the better things will go for them.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is another thing that may be causing your parent to lose their appetite. This is an irreversible disease and affects your parent’s ability to breathe. Many people who have this disease lose their appetite.
These are some of the most common reasons why someone may lose their appetite as they age. If your parent has lost their appetite, it is important to find out the cause. Once the cause can be determined, you can finally get your parent back on track and they can regain their appetite. It is important to note, however, that many causes may require them to see their doctor. So, that may be the first step you and your parent take.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Dadeville, AL, please contact the caring staff at Prime Home Health today. Caring for Our Friends and Neighbors in Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Macon and Russell Counties! Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 334.745.7966
Sources
Healthline.com
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
