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10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that signs of dehydration in the elderly include dry tongue, dry mucous membranes, upper body muscle weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, sunken eyes, dry axilla, delayed capillary refill time, fatigue, and missing drinks between meals.
17 papers analyzed
Dehydration in the elderly is a significant health concern, often leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying the signs of dehydration early can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens. This synthesis examines the key indicators of dehydration in older adults based on multiple research studies.
Physical Signs with Moderate Diagnostic Utility:
Saliva and Urine Markers:
Clinical Indicators:
Laboratory Data:
Age-Related Changes:
Environmental and Behavioral Factors:
Dehydration in the elderly can be challenging to diagnose due to the poor sensitivity of many physical signs. However, certain clinical indicators such as tongue dryness, confusion, and sunken eyes, along with laboratory markers like elevated serum sodium and blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio, can provide more reliable assessments. Saliva osmolality also shows promise as a diagnostic tool. Age-related physiological changes and environmental factors further complicate the hydration status in older adults, necessitating careful and comprehensive evaluation.
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