title: [Thirst and fluid metabolism in old age].
abstract: Water balance depends on an intact regulating mechanism for volume and osmolality. While thirst has a very important function in osmoregulation, in repletion of volume deficits it is of little importance. A thirst deficit is common in old persons and often a cause of dehydration in geriatric patients. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dehydration are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003681:Dehydration / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010953:Plasma Volume; D013894:Thirst / Q000502:physiology*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
vernacular_title: Durst und Flüssigkeitshaushalt im Alter.