Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Appetite in Elderly with No Weight Loss for 3 Weeks
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Depression: A common condition in the elderly that can manifest as loss of appetite without significant weight loss, especially in the early stages. The lack of weight loss might be due to decreased physical activity or other compensatory mechanisms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dental Issues: Problems such as gum disease, ill-fitting dentures, or toothaches can make eating uncomfortable, leading to a decrease in appetite.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Symptoms like heartburn and dysphagia can reduce appetite.
- Medication Side Effects: Many medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain cardiovascular drugs, can suppress appetite as a side effect.
- Early Stages of Dementia: Some forms of dementia can lead to changes in eating habits and appetite.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pancreatic Cancer: Although less common, pancreatic cancer can present with early satiety and loss of appetite without significant weight loss initially.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect appetite, though typically, hyperthyroidism is associated with increased appetite and hypothyroidism with decreased.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Severe COPD can lead to eating difficulties due to shortness of breath, especially after eating.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Addison's Disease: A rare endocrine disorder that can cause a decrease in appetite among other symptoms like fatigue and weight loss (though weight loss might not be present early on).
- Pernicious Anemia: An autoimmune disorder leading to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause a decrease in appetite along with other neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.