title: Dehydration in the elderly: a short review.
abstract: Dehydration is the most common fluid and electrolyte problem among the elderly. The usual causes of water loss are frequently absent in dehydrated elderly patients. Age-related changes in total body water, thirst perception, renal concentrating ability, and vasopressin effectiveness probably predispose to dehydration. Dehydration related to infection, high-protein tube feedings, cerebral vascular accidents, and medication-related hypodypsia are particularly relevant for elderly patients. Appropriate treatment depends on accurately assessing the water deficit and slowly correcting that deficit.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lavizzo-Mourey
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003681:Dehydration / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible