To test the hypothesis that the inhibitory action of central blood volume expansion on thirst and renal fluid regulation is attenuated with aging, we monitored the drinking and renal responses of dehydrated older (70 +/- 2 yr, n = 6) and younger (24 +/- 1 yr, n = 6) subjects during 195 min of head-out [...]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evidence suggests the importance of skin biophysical properties in predicting diseases and in developing appropriate skin care. The results to date of studies on skin surface pH, stratum corneum (SC) hydration and sebum content in both genders and at various ages have been inconclusive, which was in part due to small sample [...]

The aim of the present study was twofold: a) to determine the agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for the estimation of skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and b) to analyze the predictive power of anthropometric variables and BIA for the prediction of SMM in the elderly. Sixty elderly men [...]

Malnutrition and dehydration are common in elderly. A simple, reliable instrument to assess nutritional and hydration status would be very helpful. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been promising in this context, but data of elderly persons and geriatric in-hospital patients are rare. Therefore, we first compared BIA measurements (resistance, reactance, phase angle and a resulting [...]

OBJECTIVE: There is a decreased sensation of thirst and often dehydration among the elderly population. It is unclear whether it represents a contributing factor for cerebral ischemic events. DESIGN: Consecutive patients presenting to a University Hospital within 24 h of symptom onset, and a discharge diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in [...]

Acute bacterial parotitis (ABP) in elderly is clinically described with a sudden onset of painfull swelling over the cheek and angle of the mandible. The occur of ABP is a factor of very bad prognosis, often an indicator of approaching death. In this paper we discuss eight cases observed in our geriatric clinic. To reduce [...]

The incidence of cancer among older patients continues to rise. The use of combined modality therapy has improved survival in a variety of malignancies, including rectal, head and neck, and lung cancer; however, the addition of chemotherapy increases substantially the toxicities of treatment. Elderly patients have generally been excluded from prospective clinical trials and as [...]

BACKGROUND. There is little information for age differences in body composition in elderly people > 65 years of age, especially for those > 80 years. As the proportion of people older than 65 years is expected to nearly double during the next few decades, this information is needed. METHODS. Age differences in body composition and [...]

OBJECTIVES: To assess early clinical signs and their prognostic value in elderly patients with hypernatremia. DESIGN: Prospective, case control study of 150 patients with hypernatremia matched to 300 controls. SETTING: Multicenter study including seven short- and long-term geriatric care facilities. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical assessment of hydration status at bedside, such as abnormal skin turgor or dry [...]

The renal and vasopressin (AVP) response to a standard oral water load (20 ml/kg) was examined in a group of water-replete healthy elderly men (n = 6). Two groups, respectively, of water-replete and water-deprived young healthy volunteers acted as controls. After 2 h, the old group had excreted 41 +/- 2.4% (mean +/- SEM) of [...]