Keywords
anorexia
fatigue
asthenia
older adults
How to Cite
Abstract
Fatigue, anorexia, and involuntary weight loss are terms that have been included in the definition of constitutional syndrome. These accompany many diseases in which the diagnosis is made by specific symptoms and signs. However, in older adults the term can become more ambiguous and is not associated with malignancy in all cases. It is common for older adults to have loss of appetite and/or decreased food intake since anorexia and dysgeusia in the elderly are normal physiological changes that can affect their energy metabolism and general health. Additionally, comorbidities and some medications can have an effect on food intake and weight loss. This is why it is important to have other differential diagnoses of this clinical entity such as sarcopenia and frailty, which in their own diagnostic criteria include weight loss and fatigue; given the multiple differential diagnoses, constitutional syndrome can be a challenge in the elderly population and geriatric assessment is a useful tool to address it.
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