Causes of dehydration in elderly
Institutionalized elderly people show increased risk of dehydration. Decreased fluid intake that can be due to
- Forgetfulness
- Avoidance, because elderly face decreased bladder control and capacity and have to urinate more often.
- Improper care
Among other factors are physiological changes that come with aging
With aging, people tend to have decreased perception of thirst. This condition is called adipsia. Thirst is a reflex mechanism that signals body to increase intake of fluid. In its absence, the dehydration in tissues goes unnoticeable from the brain. The elderly patients hence may not feel an urge to drink water.
- Decreased water content
With aging comes physiological changes in the body. One change involves shifting of the normal body content of the body. This new normal is a lowered value which puts the body at risk of dehydration with even minor loss of hydration.