The development of FTT is particularly serious among populations of people with malnutrition, depression, impaired physical function, and cognitive impairment, but FTT can also impact even the healthiest older adults. The underlying cause of failure to thrive is not always easy to discover and the syndrome may be caused by a variety of factors that vary from patient to patient. Failure to Thrive is rather a set of indicators that can be used by caregivers to recognize that there has been a significant change in the patient’s normal health status.
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It is not a diagnosis and it is not a disease. What is the medical term failure to thrive (FTT)?įailure to thrive is a term used to describe a general state of decline in elderly patients that’s characterized by profound weight loss, diminished appetite, poor nutrition, and a lack of physical activity. Research has shown that failure to thrive is associated with low immunity and higher rates of infection as well an increase is the risk of hip fracture, and decubitus ulcers.įor this reason, seniors who experience sudden weight loss, a decrease in appetite, depression, and inactivity should be evaluated by a doctor right away to prevent further progression of the issue.
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Geriatric Failure to Thrive (FTT) is a serious issue that affects between 5% and 35% of community-dwelling seniors and between 25% and 40% of residents who are living in nursing homes.Ĭertain elderly patients develop failure to thrive for reasons that are not clearly understood, but the prevalence of the problem seems to increase with age.