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According to the British Nutrition Foundation "older people are vulnerable to dehydration due to physiological changes in the ageing process, but this can be complicated by many disease states, and mental and physical frailty that can further increase risk of dehydration.
Age-related changes include a reduced sensation of thirst, and this may be more pronounced in those with Alzheimer’s disease or in those that have suffered a stroke. This indicates that thirst in older people may not be relied on as an indicator of dehydration. Reduced renal function is also a risk factor. The kidneys play a vital role in fluid regulation but their function deteriorates with age, and the hormonal response to dehydration (which is key to fluid balance) may be impaired.
Dehydration is more common in those with cognitive impairment and changes in functional ability. Swallowing difficulties, dementia and poorly controlled diabetes are more common in older people and are all associated with poor hydration. Preventable dehydration in care settings, whether residential or hospitals is an indicator of poor quality care. And whist it may be preventable it would seem that it is still too common in the older person. Improving hydration can bring well-being and better quality of life for patients, allow reduced use of medication and prevent illness.
Age-related changes include a reduced sensation of thirst, and this may be more pronounced in those with Alzheimer’s disease or in those that have suffered a stroke. This indicates that thirst in older people may not be relied on as an indicator of dehydration. Reduced renal function is also a risk factor. The kidneys play a vital role in fluid regulation but their function deteriorates with age, and the hormonal response to dehydration (which is key to fluid balance) may be impaired.
Dehydration is more common in those with cognitive impairment and changes in functional ability. Swallowing difficulties, dementia and poorly controlled diabetes are more common in older people and are all associated with poor hydration. Preventable dehydration in care settings, whether residential or hospitals is an indicator of poor quality care. And whist it may be preventable it would seem that it is still too common in the older person. Improving hydration can bring well-being and better quality of life for patients, allow reduced use of medication and prevent illness.
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Dec 2025