Pathophysiology of Cachexia in the Elderly

Abstract

The physiological decline in food intake that occurs with aging is an appropriate response to the reduced physical activity of this population. This physiological decline is termed the ‘anorexia of aging’ [1]; however, cachexia in the elderly seems to be reaching epidemic levels, with 30–40% of men and women over age 75 being 10% underweight or more [2]. There is no agreed upon definition for cachexia, which means ‘poor condition’ in Greek [3]. While it has traditionally been thought that chronic illness fully explains the pathogenesis of cachexia, this concept is proving inadequate [4]. In general, cachexia is characterised by weight loss due to loss of fat and skeletal muscle mass [5].