Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Assessment of Factors Associated With Dehydration and Its Relationship With Depression in Individuals Aged Over
Merve Yilmazer1, Kamile Marakoglu2, Ibrahim Solak1
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Beyhekim Research and Training Hospital, Konya, Türkiye.
Background:
The detection and management of dehydration represent critical challenges within the older adult population. Although the factors influencing dehydration have been studied previously, its psychological impacts have mostly been examined in younger populations. This study investigated the associated factors for dehydration and its relationship with depression in individuals aged over 80 years.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 263 individuals aged 80 and above who visited the Healthy Aging Center of a tertiary hospital between March and September 2024. Data were obtained from medical records, including sociodemographic information, comorbidities, and scores from validated geriatric assessment tools: Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Dehydration was defined as a calculated plasma osmolality greater than 295 mOsm/L.
Results:
Dehydration was present in 68.4% of participants. Statistically significant associations were found between dehydration and higher GDS scores, frailty status, lower ADL and IADL scores, higher TSH levels, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Conclusions:
A significant association was observed between dehydration and depression. Regression analysis identified GDS score as an independent factor associated with dehydration.
Related Concept Videos
Depression: Overview
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Disorder of Water Balance
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion

