Testing a Turkish tool to spot loss of appetite in older adults

As the elderly population increases, health problems related to aging are also increasing. Loss of appetite negatively affects public health by causing malnutrition and related health problems in elderly individuals. Loss of appetite is a common problem in older adults, both in individuals with and without cognitive impairment. This can lead to serious health problems such as malnutrition, weight loss, muscle loss, weakening of the immune system and decreased quality of life. Cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia can trigger loss of appetite, or loss of appetite can be a symptom of these disorders. Factors such as metabolic changes during the aging process, decreased sense of taste and smell, loneliness and depression contribute to loss of appetite. However, there is no valid and reliable scale in Turkey for the early diagnosis and assessment of loss of appetite. A scale being valid and reliable means that it can measure the concept it is intended to measure accurately and consistently. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Loss of Appetite Scale in older adults with and without cognitive impairment .