What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration in the Elderly?

Dehydration occurs when the body has insufficient fluids and becomes unable to properly function. According to Dr. Ferry, geriatric specialist at the Central University Hospital in France, dehydration is particularly insidious for the elderly because the body's natural thirst mechanism decreases with age. Additionally, many symptoms of dehydration such as confusion and poor coordination are similar to those of old age. If you believe an elderly person is dehydrated and either unable or unwilling to drink liquids, you should call 911 immediately.

Throbbing Headache

• A dehydrated, elderly patient will complain of a pounding headache often located directly in the center of the skull. This headache will often be compounded by disorientation.

Dizziness

• Another sign of dehydration is dizziness. A patient stands up and experiences dizziness, and the dizziness may persist or subside to a feeling of movement-based disorientation after sitting down.

Poor Skin Elasticity

• The elderly patient with the greatest risk of dehydration can't necessarily communicate all immediate sensations such as dizziness or nausea. To determine skin elasticity and subsequent fluid content, try gently pinching the skin on top of his forearm. The patient is dehydrated if the skin remains in the pinched position beyond a few seconds.

Muscle Cramping

• Elderly patients who are suffering from dehydration will complain of muscle cramps in multiple locations and extreme aching in the joints. This is the result of fluid loss in the muscle fibers and lack of lubrication in the joints. Cramping can also be indicative of electrolyte imbalance, which may compromise an elderly person with a cardiac condition.