Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Loss Of Appetite In An Elderly Person?
My mother is 87 and resides at a nursing home in Richmond VA. She is currently not eating much, a few crackers when encouraged, an Ensure drink, occasionally a bite or two of this or that from her meal. I use to entice her with fresh fruits and vegetable which she has always enjoyed but now she doesn t seem to want that either. Since it is so hard to get her to eat anything, my sister and sister in law (and I) were wondering if it would benefit her at all if she were to use this drug, (benefit of side effect of appetite stimulant) She use to take it and didn t seem to struggle with any of the bad side effects from it. Don t know now however, as she has declined in weight (105) and in her ability to focus/talk. Just don t want her to starve nutritionally speaking, so didn t know the best thing to do. Should we try this drug at her stage, or not? Thanks for your help, Fran
Thu, 2 May 2019
Hi,
As most geriatrics do not feel hungry at all. But food is the best thing to consume to improve the metabolism of the body. If she is walking enough then she will be able to eat.
If not then you can arrange for a physiotherapist who can make her do simple exercises of low intensity which will help her metabolism to improve and also walking in the morning and evening will be of good help.
In my clinical practice of over 12 years most geriatrics have similar complains but with simple exercises and indulging into physical activity has helped them to eat food.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel,
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
As most geriatrics do not feel hungry at all. But food is the best thing to consume to improve the metabolism of the body. If she is walking enough then she will be able to eat.
If not then you can arrange for a physiotherapist who can make her do simple exercises of low intensity which will help her metabolism to improve and also walking in the morning and evening will be of good help.
In my clinical practice of over 12 years most geriatrics have similar complains but with simple exercises and indulging into physical activity has helped them to eat food.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel,
Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....