Is there another medical reason for failure to thrive in the elderly?

In elderly patients, failure to thrive describes a state of decline that is multifactorial and may be caused by chronic concurrent diseases and functional impairments. Manifestations of this condition include weight loss, decreased appetite, poor nutrition, and inactivity.

Is failure to thrive a cause of death?

Failure to thrive in older adults is a serious condition that affects the up to 35% of older adults in general, up to 40% of nursing home patients, and up to 60% of hospitalized veterans. This condition is not simply part of the aging process and can often lead to death.

Can adults suffer from failure to thrive?

Adult failure to thrive (AFTT) is a decline seen in older adults – typically those with multiple chronic medical conditions – resulting in a downward spiral of poor nutrition, weight loss, inactivity, depression and decreasing functional ability.

What qualifies as failure to thrive?

What is failure to thrive? Children are diagnosed with failure to thrive when their weight or rate of weight gain is significantly below that of other children of similar age and sex. Infants or children that fail to thrive seem to be dramatically smaller or shorter than other children the same age.

What does failure to thrive in older adults mean?

What is failure to thrive in older adults? Failure to thrive (FTT) happens when an older adult has a loss of appetite, eats and drinks less than usual, loses weight, and is less active than normal. He or she may not be interested in other people or social activities.

When does failure to thrive ( FTT ) occur?

Failure to thrive (FTT) happens when an older adult has a loss of appetite, eats and drinks less than usual, loses weight, and is less active than normal.

What are the four syndromes of failure to thrive?

Four syndromes are prevalent and predictive of adverse outcomes in patients with failure to thrive: impaired physical function, malnutrition, depression, and cognitive impairment. Initial assessments should include information on physical and psychologic health, functional ability, socioenvironmental factors,…

What to do with a failure to thrive diagnosis?

Physicians should recognize the diagnosis of failure to thrive as a key decision point in the care of an elderly person. The diagnosis should prompt discussion of end-of-life care options to prevent needless interventions that may prolong suffering. The elderly patient with declining health poses significant challenges for attending physicians.