| Abstrakt: |
Water is an essential dietary component; dehydration due to inadequate replacement of body fluids can become life-threatening in a matter of a few days. The stimulus to thirst is impaired in older persons, as is the ability to conserve sodium and concentrate the urine. This makes the older individual more susceptible to dehydration, especially in association with acute and chronic illnesses. A variety of acute and chronic illnesses make older persons more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances as often evidenced by high or low concentrations of the mineral in the serum, e.g., hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Again, prompt medical interventions are necessary to prevent life-threatening developments. Older persons are also more vulnerable to deficiencies of the 10 essential trace minerals due to various physiologic, pathologic, and psychosocial factors. Since the onset of deficiency states is often insidious in onset affecting quality of life, it is important to recognize early signs and symptoms, and when persons are at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
