why are older adults dehydrated
Psychotropic medications, such as antipsychotics, cause dryness of the mouth, constipation or urinary retention, which can affect hydration. Additionally, older adults are often taking several medications at once, further complicating the problem. Illness. Vomiting is a major cause of dehydration, because of fluid loss. A fever has the same effect, and generally the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. A combination of diarrhea and vomiting, as in Walterâs case, can increase the risk of serious health issues. Older adults also tend to eat less, which can also mean less liquid intake. Nursing homes present their own challenges for hydration of elderly residents (see sidebar). Severe Consequences of Dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including (from the Mayo Clinic): Swelling of the brain (cerebral edema).