LE IPERNATRIEMIE NELL’ANZIANO

Hypernatremia is characterized by a deficit of total body water relative to total body sodium and is defined by a sodium plasma concentration greater than 145 mmol/L. Hypernatremia in the geriatric population is a common disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Older people are predisposed to developing hypernatremia because of age-related physiologic changes such as decreased thirst drive, impaired urinary concentrating ability, and reduced total body water. Medications may exacerbate this predisposition.In nursing home residents, hypernatremia and dehydration are considered preventable; hence, they are indicators of neglect and substandard care.