Next Article in Journal
The Blood Lactate Increase in High Intensity Exercise Is Depressed by Acanthopanax sieboldianus
Next Article in Special Issue
IGF-1, the Cross Road of the Nutritional, Inflammatory and Hormonal Pathways to Frailty
Previous Article in Journal
Adiponectin: An Attractive Marker for Metabolic Disorders in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Previous Article in Special Issue
Dairy Products, Dietary Calcium and Bone Health: Possibility of Prevention of Osteoporosis in Women: The Polish Experience
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Review

Anorexia of Aging: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Frailty

Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Teaching Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Nutrients 2013, 5(10), 4126-4133; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu5104126
Submission received: 3 July 2013 / Revised: 16 August 2013 / Accepted: 17 September 2013 / Published: 14 October 2013
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Influences on Age-Related Frailty)

Abstract

:
Anorexia of aging, defined as a loss of appetite and/or reduced food intake, affects a significant number of elderly people and is far more prevalent among frail individuals. Anorexia recognizes a multifactorial origin characterized by various combinations of medical, environmental and social factors. Given the interconnection between weight loss, sarcopenia and frailty, anorexia is a powerful, independent predictor of poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality in older persons. One of the most important goals in the management of older, frail people is to optimize their nutritional status. To achieve this objective it is important to identify subjects at risk of anorexia and to provide multi-stimulus interventions that ensure an adequate amount of food to limit and/or reverse weight loss and functional decline. Here, we provide a brief overview on the relevance of anorexia in the context of sarcopenia and frailty. Major pathways supposedly involved in the pathogenesis of anorexia are also illustrated. Finally, the importance of treating anorexia to achieve health benefits in frail elders is highlighted.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

Accumulating evidence indicates that a significant number of frail elderly people fail to ingest an amount of food that meets essential energy and nutrients needs [1]. Anorexia of aging and consequent weight loss are very common problems among the elderly, especially in nursing home residents and in hospitalized older patients [1,2,3]. Anorexia is defined as a loss of appetite and/or reduced food intake. Anorexia is a true geriatric syndrome because it is a multifactorial condition associated with multiple negative health outcomes [4]. It generally develops when the accumulated effects of impairments in multiple systems make the older subject more vulnerable to adverse health events.
Given this definition, it is readily understandable why anorexia and frailty are strongly interconnected and can influence one another. Studies have shown that anorexia is highly prevalent among older adults, affecting over 25% and 30% of elderly men and women, respectively [1,2].

2. Risk Factors for Anorexia of Aging

The pathogenesis of anorexia is thought to involve age-related declines in the activities of specific brain areas, including the hypothalamus, in response to peripheral stimuli (fat cell signals, nutrients, circulating hormones) [5,6,7]. Inflammation, which is linked to the aging process, contributes to the pathogenesis of anorexia and also plays a key role in anorexia associated with chronic diseases or cachexia [7,8].
As described by Serra-Prat and colleagues [9], older frail persons exhibit an impaired response to hunger hormones such as ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK). Furthermore, a 40% fat meal increases glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels and decreases the acylated-to-desacylated ghrelin ratio in elderly, but not in young adults [5]. These alterations may be responsible for decreased hunger and unintended weight loss in old age. Similarly, the infusion of low doses of CCK causes a reduction in calorie intake in the elderly, but not in young people. It has also been suggested that levels of GLP-1 and ghrelin increase insulin sensitivity in certain brain areas such as the hypothalamus, causing a dysregulated energy homeostasis, which leads to reduced food intake [5]. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines persistently activate pro-opiomelanocortin neurons and inhibits neuropeptide Y neurons involving an alteration in satiety and hunger signals, the clinical expression of which is represented by anorexia and cachexia [8,10]. Other age-associated conditions, such as alterations in taste and smell [11], decreased chewing efficiency often due to edentulism [12], delayed gastric emptying [13], spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux [14], declines in gastric and pancreatic exocrine secretions [15,16], reduced testosterone levels in men leading to elevated leptin levels [17], and depression [18], also contribute to the pathogenesis of anorexia of aging. In addition to a global reduction in food intake, elderly individuals with anorexia also exhibit altered eating patterns, characterized by lower consumption of nutrient-rich foods (e.g., meat, eggs and fish) [19].
Anorexia should not be considered as an inevitable “side effect” of aging; rather, many risk factors can be identified and potentially amended. They are represented by the aging process itself, changes in body composition (such as the reduction in fat-free and muscle mass and increase in visceral fat), functional impairment, social and environmental conditions, acute and chronic diseases and their treatments [20,21].
It is important to highlight that potentially reversible causes are strongly associated with the onset of anorexia during the aging process [22,23]. Functional, psychological and economical factors contribute to secondary anorexia and malnutrition. For instance, functional impairments in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, loneliness, lack of cooking skills, depression, economic concerns, weakness, and fatigue play a significant role in the development of anorexia. These elements—together with the physiological changes associated with aging—contribute to reducing food intake to levels lower than those required to meet energy and nutrient demand (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Anorexia as a geriatric syndrome.
Figure 1. Anorexia as a geriatric syndrome.
Nutrients 05 04126 g001

3. Consequences of Anorexia of Aging

Weight loss due to anorexia contributes to muscle wasting and decreased function of respiratory muscles, impaired immune function with depressed antibody- and cell-mediated responses and consequent greater susceptibility to infections, reduced gut function and increased bacterial translocation [24]. Furthermore, anorexia induces hypoalbuminemia, increased synthesis of acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein, α-1 acid glycoprotein and fibrinogen, and decreased coagulation capacity leading to oxidative stress and enhanced tissue damage [8,24].
In the early stage of anorexia, these effects could be attributed to low intake of single nutrients, in particular protein and certain vitamins [25]. This selective malnutrition is also directly correlated with the onset of sarcopenia [26]. This could explain why in most cases anorexia is associated with poor endurance, slow gait speed and decreased mobility [27]. However, the most important evidence from the current literature is that anorexia is an independent and strong predictor of morbidity and mortality among patients in various clinical settings [28].

4. Correlation among Anorexia, Sarcopenia and Frailty Syndrome

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a reduction of the physiological functional reserve and a decreased homeostatic capacity leading to greater vulnerability to adverse health outcomes and increased risk of death (Figure 2) [29].
Figure 2. The interaction among anorexia of aging, sarcopenia and frailty.
Figure 2. The interaction among anorexia of aging, sarcopenia and frailty.
Nutrients 05 04126 g002
Fried et al. [29] characterized the clinical phenotype of frailty and suggested an “operational definition” based on the identification of five parameters: (1) low handgrip (<5.85 kg in males; <3.37 kg in females); (2) self-reported fatigue (at least 3 times a week); (3) unintended weight loss (≥4.5 kg in the last year); (4) reduction of physical activity (as assessed by the PASE-Physical Activity Scale for Elderly); and (5) slow walking velocity (≥7 s to walk a 4.57 m course). According to the Fried’s criteria, older persons are defined frail if they meet at least three parameters.
The decrease in food intake associated with anorexia leads to a reduction in exercise capacity and declines in muscle mass and strength [25], and is therefore involved in the development of the frailty syndrome. Furthermore, as suggested by Fried et al. [29], sarcopenia plays an important etiologic role in frailty, being also a key player of its latent phase and explaining many aspects of the frailty status itself.
In a recent study, members of our group evaluated the relationship between anorexia and sarcopenia in 354 community-dwelling persons aged 80 years [26]. A direct association was found between them: 34 (46.6%) subjects were affected by sarcopenia among those with anorexia, compared to 69 subjects (24.6%) without anorexia. The correlation was independent of overt malnutrition and remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, functional and cognitive impairment, level of physical activity, comorbidity, depression, anticholinergic drug use and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plasma levels. These results are consistent with the shared etiopathogenetic mechanisms mentioned above.
Recent studies have suggested that supplementation with essential amino acids promotes muscle growth by improving muscle insulin sensitivity through increasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-signaling and down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α [30,31]. In particular, leucine, which is abundant in whey, is a secretagogue of insulin and a powerful activator of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the master regulator of protein synthesis [31].
The current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 g/kg/day. However, older people do not usually ingest this amount. It is reported that 32%–41% of women and 22%–38% of men aged ≥50 years consume less than the RDA for protein [32]. Furthermore, older adults show a decreased anabolic response to protein meals, implying that the current RDA may not protect elderly individuals from developing sarcopenia. In this perspective, many authors suggest that older people should increase their protein intake to 1.0–1.3 g/kg/day [33] and that this amount of protein should be consumed according to a spread pattern during the day in order to ensure an optimal muscular anabolic response [34].
In animal models, vitamin D deficiency and high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have been linked with higher muscleprotein breakdown [35]. Scott et al. [36] have demonstrated that serum levels of vitamin D are powerful, independent predictors of changes in muscle mass and strength over 2.6 years of follow-up. Further, vitamin D supplementation (800 IU daily) increases the number and cross-sectional area of type II fibers (which are typically lost in sarcopenic subjects) and that is associated with positive outcomes, including reduction of the risk of falls and fractures and improvements in muscle mass and strength [37].
Given these data, it is not surprising that physical function declines in the presence of anorexia, especially among those also experiencing weight loss. In this regard, we recently evaluated the relationship between anorexia and measures of physical performance, muscle strength and functional status in older community-dwellers [38]. All of the physical performance, muscle strength and functional measures showed significant associations with the presence of anorexia. These associations remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Besides, anorexia was associated with a higher risk of developing disability during two years of follow-up. These findings have been confirmed analyzing the impact of anorexia on one-year survival among 1904 participants enrolled in the ULISSE study, a project designed to evaluate the quality of care for older people living in an Italian nursing home [21].

5. Conclusions

Anorexia of aging represents one of the major challenges for geriatric medicine given its impact on quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Evidence indicates that decreased food intake is a robust predictor of mortality in frail elders. Anorexia should therefore be considered as a marker of profound perturbations of energy metabolism, prompting immediate clinical countermeasures. However, a more precise understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the age-associated alterations of energy metabolism is necessary to effectively treat/prevent anorexia of aging.
One of the most important goals in the management of older people is to optimize their nutritional status. To achieve this objective, the first step is to identify subjects at risk of anorexia by using second- and third-generation geriatric assessment tools. Care plans should also be implemented to ensure an adequate amount (and quality) of food to limit weight loss due to anorexia of aging. Multi-stimulus interventions may be required, including texture, flavor enhancement and feeding assistance. Finally, it is important to identify and eliminate all potentially reversible factors that promote anorexia during aging [21].

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. MacIntosh, C.; Morley, J.E.; Chapman, I.M. The anorexia of aging. Nutrition 2000, 16, 983–995. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Donini, L.M.; Savina, C.; Piredda, M.; Cucinotta, D.; Fiorito, A.; Inelmen, E.M.; Sergi, G.; Domiguez, L.J.; Barbagallo, M.; Cannella, C. Senile anorexia in acute-ward and rehabilitation settings. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2008, 12, 511–517. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. Donini, L.M.; Dominguez, L.J.; Barbagallo, M.; Savina, C.; Castellaneta, E.; Cucinotta, D.; Fiorito, A.; Inelmen, E.M.; Sergi, G.; Enzi, G.; et al. Senile anorexia in different geriatric settings in Italy. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2011, 15, 775–781. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Morley, J.E. Anorexia of aging: A true geriatric syndrome. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2012, 16, 422–425. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Di Francesco, V.; Barazzoni, R.; Bissoli, L.; Fantin, F.; Rizzotti, P.; Residori, L.; Antonioli, A.; Graziani, M.S.; Zanetti, M.; Bosello, O.; et al. The quantity of meal fat influences the profile of postprandial hormones as well as hunger sensation in healthy elderly people. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2010, 11, 188–193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Horwitz, B.A.; Blanton, C.A.; McDonald, R.B. Physiologic determinants of the anorexia of aging: Insights from animal studies. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2002, 22, 417–438. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Conte, C.; Cascino, A.; Bartali, B.; Donini, L.M.; Rossi-Fanelli, F.; Laviano, A. Anorexia of aging. Curr. Nutr. Food Sci. 2009, 5, 9–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Morley, J.E.; Anker, S.D.; Evans, W.J. Cachexia and aging: An update based on the Fourth International Cachexia Meeting. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2009, 13, 47–55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Serra-Prat, M.; Palomera, E.; Clave, P.; Puig-Domingo, M. Effect of age and frailty on ghrelin and cholecystokinin responses to a meal test. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2009, 89, 1410–1417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Laviano, A.; Meguid, M.M.; Inui, A.; Muscaritoli, M.; Rossi-Fanelli, F. Theraphy insight: Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome when all you can eat is yourself. Nat. Clin. Pract. Oncol. 2005, 2, 158–165. [Google Scholar]
  11. Toffanello, E.D.; Inelmen, E.M.; Imoscopi, A.; Perissinotto, E.; Coin, A.; Miotto, F.; Donini, L.M.; Cucinotta, D.; Barbagallo, M.; Manzato, E.; et al. Taste loss in hospitalized multimorbid elderly subjects. Clin. Interv. Aging 2013, 8, 167–174. [Google Scholar]
  12. Lee, J.S.; Kritchevsky, S.B.; Tylavsky, F.; Harris, T.B.; Ayonayon, H.N.; Newman, A.B. Factors associated with impaired appetite in well-functioning community-dwelling older adults. J. Nutr. Elder 2006, 26, 27–43. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Clarkston, W.K.; Pantano, M.M.; Morley, J.E.; Horowitz, M.; Littlefield, J.M.; Burton, F.R. Evidence for the anorexia of aging: Gastrointestinal transit and hunger in healthy elderly vs. young adults. Am. J. Physiol. 1997, 272, 243–248. [Google Scholar]
  14. Parker, B.A.; Chapman, I.M. Food intake and ageing-the role of the gut. Mech. Ageing Dev. 2004, 125, 859–866. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Grassi, M.; Petraccia, L.; Mennuni, G.; Fontana, M.; Scarno, A.; Sabetta, S.; Fraioli, A. Changes, functional disorders, and diseases in the gastrointestinal tract of elderly. Nutr. Hosp. 2011, 26, 659–668. [Google Scholar]
  16. Laugier, R.; Bernard, J.P.; Berthezene, P.; Dupuy, P. Changes in pancreatic exocrine secretion with age: Pancreatic exocrine secretion does decrease in the elderly. Digestion 1991, 50, 202–211. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Baumgartner, R.N.; Waters, D.L.; Morley, J.E.; Patrick, P.; Montoya, G.D.; Garry, P.J. Age-Related changes in sex hormones affect the sex difference in serum leptin independently of changes in body fat. Metabolism 1999, 48, 378–384. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Cabrera, M.A.; Mesas, A.E.; Garcia, A.R.; de Andrade, S.M. Malnutrition and depression among community-dwelling elderly people. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2007, 8, 582–584. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Donini, L.M.; Poggiogalle, E.; Piredda, M.; Pinto, A.; Barbagallo, M.; Cucinotta, D.; Sergi, G. Anorexia and eating patterns in the elderly. PLoS One 2013, 8, e63539. [Google Scholar]
  20. Morley, J.E. Anorexia of aging: Physiologic and pathologic. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1997, 66, 760–773. [Google Scholar]
  21. Morley, J.E.; Thomas, D.R. Anorexia and aging: Pathophysiology. Nutrition 1999, 15, 499–503. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Landi, F.; Lattanzio, F.; Dell’Aquila, G.; Eusebi, P.; Gasperini, B.; Liperoti, R.; Belluigi, A.; Bernabei, R.; Cherubini, A. Prevalence and potentially reversible factors associated with anorexia among older nursing home residents. Results from the ULISSE project. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2013, 14, 119–124. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Salva, A.; Coll-Planas, L.; Bruce, S.; de Groot, L.; Andrieu, S.; Abellan, G.; Vellas, B.; Andrieu, S.; Bartorelli, L.; Berner, Y.N.; et al. Nutritional assessment of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs): Recommendations of the task force on nutrition and ageing of the IAGG European region and the IANA. J. Nutr. Health Aging 2009, 13, 475–483. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Chapman, I.M.; MacIntosh, C.G.; Morley, J.E.; Horowitz, M. The anorexia of ageing. Biogerontology 2002, 3, 67–71. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Muscaritoli, M.; Anker, S.D.; Argilés, J.; Aversa, Z.; Bauer, J.M.; Biolo, G.; Boirie, Y.; Bosaeus, I.; Cederholm, T.; Costelli, P.; et al. Consensus definition of sarcopenia, cachexia and pre-cachexia: Joint document elaborated by Special Interest Group [SIG] “cachiexia-anorexia in chronic wasting diseases” and “nutrition in geriatrics”. Clin. Nutr. 2010, 29, 154–159. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Landi, F.; Liperoti, R.; Russo, A.; Giovannini, S.; Tosato, M.; Barillaro, C.; Capoluongo, E.; Bernabei, R.; Onder, G. Association of anorexia with sarcopenia in a community-dwelling elderly population: Results from il Sirente study. Eur. J. Nutr. 2012, 52, 1261–1268. [Google Scholar]
  27. Morley, J.E. Anorexia, sarcopenia and aging. Nutrition 2001, 17, 660–663. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Landi, F.; Laviano, A.; Cruz-Jentoft, A. The anorexia of aging: Is it a geriatric syndrome? J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2010, 11, 153–156. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Fried, L.P.; Tangen, C.M.; Walston, J.; Newman, A.B.; Hirsch, C.; Gottdiener, J.; Seeman, T.; Tracy, R.; Kop, W.J.; Burke, G.; et al. Frailty in older adults: Evidence for a phenotype. J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. 2001, 56, 146–156. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Rieu, I.; Balage, M.; Sornet, C.; Giraudet, C.; Pujos, E.; Grizard, J.; Mosoni, L.; Dardevet, D. Leucine supplementation improve muscle protein synthesis in erderly men independently of hyperaminoacidaemia. J. Physiol. 2006, 575, 305–315. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Dreyer, H.C.; Drummond, M.J.; Pennings, B.; Fujita, S.; Glynn, E.L.; Chinkes, D.L.; Dhanani, S.; Volpi, E.; Rasmussen, B.B. Leucine enriched essential amino acid and carbohydrate ingestion following resistance exercise enhances mTOR signaling and protein synthesis in human muscle. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrionol. Metab. 2008, 294, 392–400. [Google Scholar]
  32. Calvani, R.; Miccheli, A.; Landi, F.; Bossola, M.; Cesari, M.; Leeuwenburgh, C.; Sieber, C.C.; Bernabei, R.; Marzetti, E. Current nutritional recommendations and novel dietary strategies to manage sarcopenia. J. Frailty Aging 2013, 2, 38–53. [Google Scholar]
  33. Gaffney-Stomberg, E.; Insogna, K.L.; Rodriguez, N.R.; Kerstetter, J.E. Increasing dietary protein requirements in elderly people for optimal muscle and bone health. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 2009, 57, 1073–1079. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Morley, J.E.; Argiles, J.M.; Evans, W.J.; Bhasin, S.; Cella, D.; Deutz, N.E.; Doehner, W.; Fearon, K.C.; Ferrucci, L.; Hellerstein, M.K.; et al. Nutritional recommendations for the management of sarcopenia. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2010, 11, 391–396. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Wassner, S.J.; Li, J.B.; Sperduto, A.; Norman, M.E. Vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia and increate skeletal muscle degradation in rats. J. Clin. Investig. 1983, 72, 102–112. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Scott, D.; Blizzard, L.; Fell, J.; Ding, C.; Winzenberg, T.; Jones, G. A prospective study of the associations between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, sarcopenia progression and physical activity in older adults. Clin. Endocrinol. 2010, 73, 581–587. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Montero-Odasso, M.; Duque, G. Vitamin D in the aging musculo-skeletal system: An authentic strenght preserving hormone. Mol. Aspects Med. 2005, 26, 203–219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Landi, F.; Russo, A.; Liperoti, R.; Tosato, M.; Barillaro, C.; Pahor, M.; Bernabei, R.; Onder, G. Anorexia, Physical function, and incident disability among the frail elderly population: Results from the ilSirente Study. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2010, 11, 153–156. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Martone, A.M.; Onder, G.; Vetrano, D.L.; Ortolani, E.; Tosato, M.; Marzetti, E.; Landi, F. Anorexia of Aging: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Frailty. Nutrients 2013, 5, 4126-4133. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu5104126

AMA Style

Martone AM, Onder G, Vetrano DL, Ortolani E, Tosato M, Marzetti E, Landi F. Anorexia of Aging: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Frailty. Nutrients. 2013; 5(10):4126-4133. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu5104126

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martone, Anna Maria, Graziano Onder, Davide Liborio Vetrano, Elena Ortolani, Matteo Tosato, Emanuele Marzetti, and Francesco Landi. 2013. "Anorexia of Aging: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Frailty" Nutrients 5, no. 10: 4126-4133. https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu5104126

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop