Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water and this can happen rapidly in extreme heat or through exercise. Symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, lethargy and hallucinations. In extreme cases, dehydration may even result in death.
Researchers have discovered that a region in the brain called the mid cingulate cortex predicts how much water a person needs, but this region tends to malfunction in older people. Researchers infused old (age 65-74) and young (age 21-30) research participants with salty water to make them thirsty and then allowed them to drink as much water as they wanted. Although all participants had the same level of thirst, older people only drank half as much water as the younger subjects.
Using Positron emission tomography (“PET”) imaging researchers found the mid cingulate cortex ‘turned off’ in the study’s old research participants much earlier by drinking small volumes. This discovery helps explain why the elderly can become easily dehydrated.
Berman & Riedel, LLP is a San Diego based law firm that represents victims of elder abuse and neglect throughout Southern California and the rest of the state. The firm is dedicated to representing those victimized by perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect, and have successfully secured large settlements and awards for such clients. This success is attributable to the vast experience and knowledge that each of the firm’s nursing home attorneys has in this complicated area of litigation.
If you believe an elderly loved one suffered dehydration in a nursing home or other type of elder care facility setting, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855. Our staff will happily provide you and your family with an initial free consultation to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have regarding a loved one’s dehydration incident or other incidents that may concern you regarding the treatment an elderly loved one is receiving in a nursing home. To learn more about the firm’s elder abuse and neglect law practice, visit Berman & Riedel, LLP’s main website at www.preventelderabuse.com.
