Dehydration in the elderly: Risks and complications

Water is an important component in the human body and dehydration is common in all ages. However, dehydration in the elderly is still an issue that needs more attention.

While food quality and malnutrition are frequently mentioned, dehydration is also an important issue. Dehydration, whether in the home or in the hospital, is a sign of poor quality of care.
Dehydration is completely preventable but it still seems to be all too common in older adults. Improved hydration can result in better patient well-being and quality of life, allowing for reduced drug use and disease prevention.
Elderly people are prone to dehydration due to physiological changes in the aging process. But this may be further complicated by many medical conditions, mental and physical impairments that can further increase the risk of dehydration in the elderly.
Age-related changes include decreased thirst and this may be more evident in people with Alzheimer's disease or those who have had a stroke. This suggests that thirst in the elderly may not be considered a sign of dehydration.
Reduced kidney function is also a risk factor for dehydration in the elderly. Because the kidneys play an important role in regulating fluid in the body, their function declines with age and the hormonal response to dehydration (the key to fluid balance) can decreased accordingly.
Dehydration is more common in people with cognitive impairment and altered functioning. Difficulty swallowing, dementia, and poor diabetes control are more common in older adults and are all associated with poor hydration.
The possibility of dehydration can also be aggravated by medications, including diuretics and laxatives. It is important not to control how much water is taken into the body, leading to dehydration because people may limit the amount of fluid they use on a daily basis.
Insufficient fluid intake is one of the major preventable factors of dehydration. Insufficient fluid intake can be related to an inability to drink on its own and poor access to and access to fluids.

This can be exacerbated in a home care setting by inadequate staff (caregiver) training and lack of awareness of the importance of hydration.
Common risk factors for dehydration include:
Older age; People in need of long-term care; The person needs assistance with food and liquids; Uncontrollable; Cognitive impairment/confusion; Functional status is impaired and assistance is required for feeding; Insufficient numbers or appropriately trained staff to assist with aged care; Depression; Many drugs, especially diuretics; Reduce thirst; Acute illness, diarrhea and vomiting.

Dehydration is associated with poor health such as increased hospitalization and death rates. As the mortality rate of stoke patients doubled has been reported.
Even mild dehydration adversely affects mental performance and increases feelings of fatigue. Affected mental functions include:
Memory; Attention; Concentration; Reaction rate. Common complications associated with dehydration also include:
Low blood pressure; Asthenia ; Dizzy; Increased risk of falls.

People who are dehydrated are more likely to develop pressure sores and skin diseases.
Water helps to keep the urinary tract and kidneys healthy. When fluid intake is reduced, the risk of urinary tract infections increases. Not enough water in the body is one of the main causes of acute kidney damage.
Not drinking enough water is also one of the most common causes of constipation. In people who are not sufficiently hydrated, drinking more water may increase stool frequency and enhance the beneficial effects of fiber absorption.
Many elderly people shy away from drinking water to avoid having to go to the bathroom, especially at night, but limiting overall fluid intake does not reduce the frequency or extent of incontinence.

Signs of dehydration include:
Dry mouth, lips and tongue; Deep sunken eyes; Dry, inelastic skin; Sleepy; Confusion; Disorientation; Dizzy; Low blood pressure. Many of these symptoms are quite subjective and can be present in other conditions.
Dehydration is also identified with reduced urine output and more concentrated urine. As a general rule, the color of urine can be a useful indicator:
Odorless and light colored urine usually indicates good hydration. Strong-smelling urine is a common symptom of dehydration. However, there are certain medical conditions and certain medications that can give urine color. Monitoring urine output is a good way to ensure good hydration.

There are many ways to help the elderly reduce the risk of dehydration. Recognizing when older people are not drinking enough and helping them drink more is the most important thing we need to do.
Strategies to increase fluid intake in inpatient aged care homes include identifying and overcoming barriers to water intake, such as anxiety about not reaching the toilet in time, inability to make or access drinks.
A recent systematic review found that preventing dehydration in aged care home residents is important. Increasing support and increasing the choice and availability of beverages and the type of containers they are served in may be helpful in preventing dehydration in the elderly.
Strategies may include:
Training staff to recognize the importance of hydration in the body. Determine an individual daily fluid intake goal. Provide priority fluid. Liquids are always available. Make sure the water is fresh and looks delicious - perhaps by adding a few slices of lemon or orange or ice cubes. Provide fluids regularly throughout the day. Provide fluids at routine events such as before physical or other activity or medication sessions. Offers a wide range of hot and cold liquids. Provide support if required. Provide drinking aids if needed, such as special cups and straws. Provide at least a full glass of water with the medicine. Other strategies to increase fluid intake might be to provide a 'happy hour', encourage families and visitors to provide fluids, and encourage watery foods such as fruit purees, yogurt, jelly, custard and soup. Healthcare professionals and caregivers should know the causes of dehydration in the elderly and understand how to stay hydrated and recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration.

It is important to recognize that the Care Quality Commission Standards apply to hydration as well as nutrition and focus on identifying and assessing, monitoring fluid intake and care. Include the following criteria:
Caregivers need to determine when a person is at risk of dehydration. Those identified as at-risk were monitored for how much fluid they used on a daily basis. Hydration requirements are identified and reviewed. The plan of care defines how to manage risk. Patients can trust staff to assist them in meeting their water needs safely We need to raise awareness among ourselves, our families and society about the importance of hydration. It can make a difference to the health and quality of life for everyone, especially the elderly.
Dehydration in the elderly, if not detected early, with good care and timely treatment, will cause many dangerous complications, so when your loved one has symptoms of dehydration, you should immediately take them to the facility. reputable medical care for early examination and treatment. Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility in Vietnam with a team of highly qualified medical professionals, well-trained, domestic and foreign, and experienced.
A system of modern and advanced medical equipment, possessing many of the best machines in the world, helping to detect many difficult and dangerous diseases in a short time, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of doctors the most effective. The hospital space is designed according to 5-star hotel standards, giving patients comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
If you have a need for examination and treatment at Vinmec, please register directly at the website or contact the hotline system for detailed advice.

Reference source: nutrition.org.uk