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The problems of dehydration may be enhanced by the existence of physical and cognitive disabilities that limit access to water consumption. The presence of illness with fever and diarrhea are factors contributing to the imbalance. The use of many drugs is adverse side effects that alter the sensation of thirst or promote diuresis, thereby promoting dehydration. Disorders such as dementia and delirium also alter fluid intake.

What symptoms are associated with the dehydration of the elderly?

Dehydration and electrolyte disturbances may contribute to the onset of clinical symptoms are nonspecific note when examining an elder (mental confusion, headache and irritability). Dehydration also can be associated with hypotension, increased body temperature, so in these cases should always check the fluid intake.

How could avoid problems of dehydration?

One way to avoid dehydration, keep in mind that older adults are at increased risk to present and although they should not feel thirsty and drink more fluids should be offered more frequently in some kind of beverage. Liquids can be different to offer such as soups, juices, milk, water and flavored liquids. The latter have a wider acceptance. It is also advisable to create habits or routines intake of water or other liquids to ensure consumption, such as drinking water every morning or drink water before taking a stroll, to increase their consumption. The contribution must always be greater in warm climates or in summer time. To offset losses in sweat and breathing. It must ensure that the elderly live in cool environments with light clothes, light, loose and well-tempered environment.

What fluids should be avoided?

Avoid drinking liquids with dehydrating effect by its diuretic effect as tea, coffee, cola (because it contains xanthines) and alcohol.

What other factors can contribute to dehydration?

Urinary incontinence is a factor to keep in mind, as to avoid many elderly consume less water, thus promoting the development of dehydration. You should also review the medications received and limit the use of which is strictly necessary considering that many of them favor the loss of fluids.

How can you control the dehydration in the elderly?

A simple way to monitor hydration in elderly outpatients is to observe the color of urine (oriented sidewalk in concentration), very dark means there is greater concentration and should drink more or you can monitor the frequency and amount of urine. The presence of pathologies and the institutionalization of the elderly have been shown to be associated with a higher prevalence of dehydration. Therefore, in patients hospitalized control of fluid intake actually consumed, the measurements of deposition, the amount of urine and density (water balance) and the weight difference of the elderly in a period of time, are some ways to have an orientation on the water balance to help prevent dehydration.

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