A pilot epidemiological study on chronic dehydration of older adults in home care setting

Abstract

　Background: Dehydration is caused by water and salt loss in the body, resulting in elevated serum osmolality (SOsm). Older adults are susceptible to dehydration because of age-related alterations, however, the prevalence is not well documented in community. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dehydration among older adults in a home care setting in Japan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 33 older adults. Age, sex, Nursing Need Level, cognitive function, water intake, body mass index, vital signs, dehydration signs/symptoms and a blood test result were obtained. SOsm was used to identify dehydration (291≦SOsm＜300 mOsm/L: Impending dehydration, 300≦SOsm: Dehydration). Results: The mean participant age was 84±6 years old, with 24 women (72. 7%). Twenty-two participants (66.7%) had SOsm of 291 mOsm/L or more and no acute episodes of dehydration. Sensitivity and specificity of the signs and symptoms was 77.3% and 18.2%, respectively. Cognitive function was inversely correlated with SOsm and water intake was varied between the Nursing Need Levels. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of dehydration among the older adults in home care setting. The dehydrated condition might have been proceeding chronically. The risk of dehydration could be overlooked in the persons with comparatively better cognitive and physical functions in the home care setting.