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Why does dehydration pose a risk for older adults?
Why Are Seniors More Likely to Be Dehydrated? As the body ages, the amount of water in it decreases, and this is one of the main reasons elderly adults are at a higher risk for dehydration. Whereas younger people can afford to lose more water, adults over 60 can lose the same amount and develop dehydration faster.
Which hormone adds more risk for dehydration in the elderly?
Age-related hormonal dysregulation such as inadequate functioning of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, can also lead to reduced water reabsorption from the kidney into the circulation, leading to excessive urination and subsequent dehydration.
What is the most common cause of dehydration in adults?
Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever cause the body to lose water quickly and are common causes of dehydration. Luckily, most healthy adults can easily rehydrate by consistently drinking lots of water and fluids high in electrolytes.
How do you know if elderly are dehydrated?
Some common signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- dry mouth.
- tiredness or fatigue.
- sunken eyes.
- a decrease in urination.
- urine that’s a darker color than normal.
- muscle cramping.
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
What are the signs of dehydration in the elderly?
Top Signs of Dehydration in Seniors
- Muscle weakness.
- Lethargy.
- Dry mouth.
- Headaches or dizziness.
- An inability to sweat.
- Low blood pressure.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Fatigue.
Why are elderly people more likely to get dehydrated?
As a result, older people are more likely to get dehydrated. And the complications of dehydration in the elderly can be more serious. In fact, dehydration is one of the top 10 reasons for seniors to be hospitalized.
Are there any medications that can cause dehydration in seniors?
Many medications that are commonly prescribed to seniors can act as diuretics (i.e., they can increase the production of urine) and contribute to dehydration. Side effects of any medications—particularly blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antacids, and heart medications—should be discussed with a physician. 3. Incontinence issues
Can a dehydrated elderly person have hallucinations?
As well, although dehydration can cause hallucinations in the elderly, cognitive changes from dementia or even side effects from certain medications are also sometimes responsible for the experience of perceiving things that aren’t there. So how can you identify potential dehydration?
Can a dehydrated elderly person have incontinence?
However, it’s important to note that reducing fluid intake doesn’t necessarily prevent incontinence. According to the National Association for Continence, drinking more water may actually help some seniors deal with incontinence. As well, when you’re dehydrated, your bladder can become more irritable and vulnerable to bacterial infection.