Protein-Energy Malnutrition Among the Elderly

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), a condition that affects many elderly individuals, consists of a variety of alterations including decreased intake, increased metabolic rate, increased energy expenditure, and excess nutrient loss. Protein-energy malnutrition occurs when too few calories and/or protein are being supplied to the body because of malnutrition, and from acute conditions, such as infection, trauma, or organ failure, which increase the protein and energy demands of the body. This article explores the phenomenon of protein-energy malnutrition and how nurses working with the elderly can assess and intervene in this condition to prevent unnecessary mortality and morbidity.