Detecting malnutrition's warning signs with simple screening tools.

Nutrition problems of aging adults can be prevented, controlled, or treated, but the warning signs of malnutrition are often overlooked. Untreated malnutrition can lead to a spiral of infection, further malnutrition, and death. Simple assessment tools developed and distributed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) can be used during an office visit to identify risk factors for poor nutritional status. These include advanced age, depression, social isolation, physical or cognitive impairment, and low income. Patients who are identified as being at high risk require immediate intervention, including medical and psychological evaluations. Often, an older adult without cognitive impairment can resume independent function when proper support is provided to correct the causes of malnutrition.