ABSTRACT
Elderly patients are more prone to water and electrolyte imbalance because of age-related physiological changes like reduced thirst sensation, impaired ability of kidney to conserve water, and disease-related factors like diabetes. Fluid therapy in the elderly is challenging and should be considered with precise indication, contraindication, and adverse effects. There are three key hormones that play roles in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance. They are antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and atrial natriuretic peptide. Elderly adults are susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, with causes including impaired thirst sensation, mental disability, and physical disability restricting access to fluid intake, and iatrogenic causes including polypharmacy and unmonitored diuretic usage. The elderly also have weakened autonomic responses, which makes it more difficult for them to cope with hemodynamic changes and cooling. Electrolyte abnormalities, specifically sodium imbalance, in elderly patients are very common and occur following dehydration.
