Malnutrition and dehydration in older adults – how are the overlap between the two conditions?

Abstract

Summary: Background: In 2019 ESPEN released a guideline on clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics. Several knowledge gaps were also identified. Among these were a question about whether there is an overlap of low-intake dehydration with malnutrition in older adults. The aim of this article is to take a closer look at this potential overlap between low-intake dehydration and malnutrition and whether it is of relevance to clinical practice. Methods: A non-systematic review of the literature. Results: The literature review identified an overlap between, respectively, malnutrition and low-intake dehydration, regarding the definitions, the risk factors and the consequences. However, although both conditions have serious consequences for older adults, very limited research has been performed on the aspect of low-intake dehydration compared to the aspect of malnutrition. Conclusion: Further research is needed to see if there is an overlap between the two conditions in clinical practice.

Keywords

• Guidelines
• GLIM
• Serum osmolality
• Osmolarity equation