Undernutrition, a tool to fight the disease in France

Undernutrition is one of the silent diseases that affect more than 2 million people in France. Undernutrition is when the contributions are not sufficient to meet the organization’s energy expenditures and needs. This condition is gaining ground, especially among the elderly. In order to anticipate this, Nutrisens and Professor Agathe RAYNAUD-SIMON are launching a scoring tool on the “PARAD” market. This allows you to quickly identify those at risk and refer them to the right professionals. As a famous saying goes: “Better to prevent than to cure”!

Undernutrition, a growing condition

More than 2 million French people are undernutrition. Of these, more than a quarter of the elderly. 270,000 are in EHPAD, 400,000 still live at home. However, it would be reductive to think that undernutrition only affects our seniors. In fact, 20 to 40% of hospitalized people also suffer from it. Cancer patients, or Alzheimer’s… But also children. For example, studies show that one in ten hospitalized children is undernutrition.

Most of the solutions that exist today are only used to identify undernutrition that is already well in place in a patient. And with the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the disease is developing. COVID-19 is considered a risk factor for undernutrition. Especially with the difficulties of feeding and breathing properly. Two points and factors put forward by the High Health Authority (HAS).

Undernutrition is a disease that greatly weakens the affected person. If the loss of protein mass exceeds 50%, it can also become fatal. In order to combat the impact of undernutrition on society, Nutrisens decided to react. Nutrisens is a pure-player ofnutrition-health,and strives to find lasting solutions to prevent such conditions. He then became close to Professor Agathe RAYNAUD-SIMON, a renowned geriatrician, who developed a revolutionary tool.

“PARAD” is a tool that allows above all to prevent. Prevent people at risk before they become undernutrition. The tool is based on a four-question operation, concerning the weight, appetite and diet of the person. PARAD then generates a score result.

Hunger undernutrition women's health
Undernutrition is a condition that needs to be identified early.

PARAD, a solution for patients and healthcare professionals

The PARAD tool thus brings added value for patients and health professionals. Through scoring, it assesses the profile of the person, and if they are part of that at-risk population, redirect them to the relevant health professionals. A doctor for a complete check-up at first, then to a dietician to manage his intakes.

Nutrisens has been granted exclusive distribution until November 2021. Currently, PARAD serves healthcare professionals in hospitals, EHPADs and pharmacies. This prevention tool could in the long run change the situation with regard to undernutrition in France. It is estimated that one in ten senior in France is considered “at risk” of undernutrition. Thanks to PARAD, the risk is managed earlier. This prevents the onset of the condition, and any health problems that result from it.

The face of medicine and the care of patients has changed since the beginning of the year. Indeed, with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, new reflexes are emerging. Telemedicine is one of them, allowing a patient to see a health care professional without the need to travel. This helps to relieve congestion in medical practices, and provides quick and flexible solutions for people who cannot travel.

Technological advances also allow patients to find digital solutions for their condition. The Lucineproject, for example, provides people with chronic illnesses with solutions to manage their pain. This Bordeaux-based company is based on digital therapies that work.

Prevent, a reflex to have to help the sick before the arrival of the disease.

Sources:

  1. 2 million malnourished people in France How can this silent disease be diagnosed and prevented? Nutrisens release of December 11, 2020
  2. Diagnosis of children and adults,High Health Authority, 22 November 2019
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