Which of the following is a common symptom of dehydration in elderly patients?

Confusion is a common symptom of dehydration in elderly patients due to several factors. As individuals age, their body's ability to detect thirst diminishes, which can lead to inadequate fluid intake. Dehydration can affect cognitive function and lead to confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status, all of which may be misinterpreted as age-related cognitive decline or other medical conditions.

In elderly patients, even mild dehydration can impact brain function and result in significant changes in mental status. The physiological changes that occur with aging, such as decreased brain volume and changes in blood flow, can exacerbate the effects of dehydration. This makes early recognition and treatment crucial.

Other symptoms of dehydration, like increased urination, high blood pressure, and excessive sweating, may not occur as frequently in this population. For instance, elderly patients might experience decreased urine output due to their kidneys conserving water in response to dehydration, rather than increased urination. Similarly, high blood pressure is not a direct indication of dehydration and excessive sweating is less common as the elderly often have decreased sweat production. Therefore, confusion stemming from dehydration in elderly individuals serves as a critical warning sign that warrants prompt intervention.