Common nutritional disorders in the elderly: atypical manifestations.

Nutritional problems are commonly seen in elderly persons living in both community and institutional settings. Multiple interacting medical problems, age-related physiological changes, and low socio-economic status are just some of the factors placing the older person at greater risk for nutritional problems. Nutritional inadequacies often have a slow and insidious onset; many of the presenting features mimic changes of normal aging. Absence of clear-cut signs and symptoms may easily lead to a delay in the diagnosis of these potentially serious yet easily reversible conditions. Practicing physicians need to keep in mind the atypical presentation nutritional deficiencies may have in old age.