HYPO-PAkT - Preventive action program for nursing homes on optimal drinking behavior while heat wave

Weather extremes such as seasonal hot spells often lead to health complaints related to fluid and electrolyte balance, especially in geriatric patients. If the increased fluid requirement is covered by water and adequate salt intake is lacking, for example, this can lead to a critical shift in blood salts (e.g. sodium, potassium). Commonly used medications such as diuretics and other heart failure and/or blood pressure medications may further increase this effect. Hyponatremia (decreased sodium levels in the blood) can lead to memory problems and mobility impairments, even coma. Inpatient or even intensive care treatment is not uncommon as a result.

The urban, aging society needs acute and simple compensatory recommendations to prevent health damage and quality-of-life impairments caused by hot spells.

It will be shown that the elderly, especially those in need of care, are at risk for hyponatremia during hot spells. In addition, a preventive action program for care recipients to reduce the number of hyponatremias during hot spells will be designed. 

06/2020 – 05/2023