Most people don't think about dehydration; not to mention the dehydration of the elderly. It is a common problem in aging, and recognition along with treatment can often be delayed; contributing to a high mortality rate. (Lavizzo-Mourey, 1987) By recognizing a potential problem early, it is possible to save an elderly person from a debilitating complication. (Hamilton, 2001) Preventing dehydration in older adults will discourage disease and increase life expectancy, as well as decrease unnecessary hospital admissions and costs. There are several causes of dehydration in the elderly, which can be divided into four groups: physiological factors, psychological factors, functional impairments and mechanical impairments. (Hamilton, 2001) Physiological factors are: natural loss of body fluids by 10%, decreased taste making food less appetizing and addition of salt for flavor, decreased thirst, diuretic drugs or laxatives, and draining wounds. (Hamilton 2001) The caffeine in coffee and soda, theophylline in tea, and trobromine in cocoa increase blood pressure along with increased urine production and elimination. (Vasey, 2002) Alcohol, on the other hand, dries out the mucosa causing sclerosis. (Vasey, 2002) Diarrhoea, vomiting or feverish illnesses also contribute to dehydration in the elderly. (Moore, 2005) Psychological factors are: depression contributing to loss of appetite, intentionally decreasing fluids to reduce trips to the bathroom. (Hamilton, 2001) Functional disorders are: patients in coma, paralysis and NPO (Nothing Per Orem). (Hamilton, 2001) Elderly individuals with disabilities such as: visual, cognitive or motor impairments may require assistance with water intake. (Kavanaugh, 2000) Tubal feeding may require additional water in the nutri...... middle of paper...... Complete database.6) Lavizzo-Mourey, Risa. (1987). Dehydration in the elderly: a brief review. Journal of the National Medical Association, 79(10), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2625510/pdf/jnma00925-0023.pdf7) Moore, M. C. (2005). Nutritional assessment and care. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.8) NIH Senior Health, (producer). (2002). What to drink as you get older. [Web]. Retrieved from http://nihseniorhealth.gov/videolist.html#eatingwell9) Vasey, C. (2002). The water recipe for health, vitality and rejuvenation. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.Warren, J., Bacon, W., Harris, T., McBean, A., Foley, D., & Phillips, C. (1994).10) Weight and Associated Outcomes Dehydration among the elderly, 1991. American Journal of Public Health, 84(8), 1265. Retrieved from the Comprehensive Academic Research Database.