Weight loss can result from a variety of other health concerns or lead to future complications for your elderly loved one, making it important to understand its sources and how to treat it. To help you better understand elderly weight loss, the senior care experts at Home Care Assistance in Mississauga discuss a few of the common causes.
Oral Health
Underlying oral health problems such as cavities, poorly fitting dentures, and gingivitis may lead to weight loss. The unnecessary pain and swelling resulting from these maladies is likely to diminish your loved one’s appetite. Try scheduling a routine dental checkup, where a qualified dental practitioner can help treat the cause of the pain.
Difficulty Swallowing
Many times, weight loss in the elderly can be attributed to problems with swallowing, as this can make it difficult to consume solid foods. Swallowing difficulties may stem from underlying conditions such as muscular and neurodegenerative disorders that require treatment.
Side Effects of Medications
The side effects of a number of oral medications, including those used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol, often lead to decreased appetite, which ultimately leads to weight loss. If your senior loved one has recently started a medication and lost a significant amount of weight over a short period of time, schedule a visit with his or her physician to discuss the possibility of a connection between the two.
Nutritional Disorders
Nutritional absorption disorders compromise the ability to assimilate nutrients from food, thereby causing weight loss. If your loved one eats regular, well-balanced meals and continues to lose weight, then investigating the cause with a medical professional who specializes in nutritional disorders may be a good idea.
Unhealthy weight loss can be prevented through proper care, though you may not always be available to look out for your loved one’s health. If he or sheneeds assistance with personal grooming, medication reminders, and help preparing healthy meals, turn to Home Care Assistance. We offer 24/7 live-in and part-time care in Mississauga, and our caregivers are expertly trained in promoting physical and mental wellness. For more information, call a knowledgeable Care Manager today at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.