Anemia in the elderly. Common causes and suggested diagnostic approach.

Anemia is a frequent finding in the elderly. Hypochromic microcytic anemia, usually secondary to iron deficiency, is the most common type. Macrocytic anemia, usually caused by folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, is the next most common. Both iron and vitamin B deficiencies are easy to treat with supplements, but the clinician must make a careful search for the cause of the deficiency. Normochromic normocytic anemia can be caused by a number of conditions. The only effective treatment is arrest or cure of the underlying disorder.