{"id":1176,"date":"2021-07-13T09:00:04","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T14:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carebuildersathomemn.com\/?p=1176"},"modified":"2021-07-13T09:00:04","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T14:00:04","slug":"the-dangers-of-dehydration-in-older-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carebuildersathome.com\/minnesota\/blog\/the-dangers-of-dehydration-in-older-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Dehydration in Older Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dehydration increases the risk of constipation, kidney problems and even falling in the elderly. It\u2019s a common problem year-round, but in the high heat of summer, the risk is even higher than usual.<\/p>\n

What Causes Dehydration?<\/h2>\n

Dehydration occurs when a body loses more fluid than it takes in. Sometimes people aren\u2019t in the habit of drinking well, or they may take medications \u2013 or have medical conditions \u2013 that cause excessive urination. When a heat wave or illness hits, the situation can quickly turn into a medical emergency.<\/p>\n

High temperatures<\/strong>
\nHot weather can cause fluid loss through sweating.<\/p>\n

Illness<\/strong>
\nFever, vomiting and diarrhea are common causes of rapid fluid loss and dehydration.<\/p>\n

Seniors are at Greater Risk for Dehydration<\/h2>\n

Adults are at a greater risk for dehydration as they age due to a number of reasons.<\/p>\n

Less Fluid to Begin With<\/strong>
\nThere is less fluid overall in older bodies, which means that it doesn\u2019t take as long to dry out.<\/p>\n

Reduced Sense of Thirst<\/strong>
\nOlder adults have less of a sense of thirst. Seniors don\u2019t usually even feel thirsty until they are already partially dehydrated.<\/p>\n

Decrease in Kidney Function<\/strong>
\nOlder kidneys don\u2019t work as well, and seniors often lose more fluids through urination than they did when they were younger. This can be even more pronounced in individuals with diabetes or kidney disease.<\/p>\n

Health Conditions and Medications<\/strong>
\nVarious health conditions and medications common to older adults can contribute to dehydration. For example, certain blood pressure medications and diuretics for swollen legs can cause the body to put out quite a lot of fluid through urination.<\/p>\n

Mobility Challenges<\/strong>
\nMany seniors have a harder time getting around, which can make it difficult for them to get up to get a drink, even if they want to do so.<\/p>\n

Memory Challenges<\/strong>
\nSeniors who have memory loss due to Alzheimer\u2019s disease, or other forms of dementia, may forget to drink, putting them at greater risk for dehydration.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Dehydration<\/h2>\n

Increase fluid intake right away if these common early symptoms of dehydration are noted:<\/p>\n