Hypernatremia: Aging Presents a Salty Challenge?
Although we may feel saltier as we age, the ocean is technically saltier. (1, 2) Maintaining healthy sodium (salt) levels can become more challenging as we age. When the body is unable to balance water and salt, illness can occur.
Figure 1. An older woman standing by the ocean. (3)
What Is Hypernatremia?
A sodium level that is too high is called hypernatremia. (4,5) A sodium level can be checked with other electrolytes in a blood test ordered by a provider. A normal sodium level falls within a range between 135 meq/L -145 meq/L. (4)
What Can Cause Hypernatremia?
It is often caused by dehydration from not drinking enough or losing too much water through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. (4,5) Other causes include kidney disease, adrenal gland dysfunction, and a condition called diabetes insipidus. (5)
Medications can also increase the risk of hypernatremia. Laxatives can cause fluid loss and raise sodium levels. (5) Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and lithium may also affect sodium balance. (5)
Older age increases the risk of hypernatremia. One reason is a decreased sense of thirst that can occur with aging. (5) Dementia or delirium can further increase the risk of dehydration. (5) Older adults can also be more susceptible to illnesses that lead to hypernatremia. (5)
What Are the Symptoms of Hypernatremia?
The symptoms may include thirst, weakness, muscle twitching, and small or infrequent amounts of urine. (4,5) Severe hypernatremia can cause confusion, coma, seizures, and can be life threatening. (4,5) It is important to seek help if symptoms occur.
How Is Hypernatremia Treated?
Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of illness. In mild cases, increasing fluid intake may help rebalance sodium levels. (5) In more severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids and closer monitoring by a healthcare provider may be necessary. (5) Hospitalization may be required if the cause of illness is more complex, difficult to control, or if closer management of the salt and fluid balance is needed. (5)
Consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment plan.
References
1. US Department of Commerce, NOAA. Why is the ocean salty? [Internet]. Accessed 2026 Apr 23. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/whysalty.html
2. How much salt is in a human body? BBC Science Focus Magazine. 2009 Jul 22. Accessed 2026 Apr 23. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-much-salt-is-in-a human-body
3. iStock. Rear view of senior woman standing in front of the sea at sunset [Internet]. Accessed 2026 Jun 2. Available from:
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1448016595/photo/rear-view-of-senior-woman standing-in-front-of-the-sea-at-sunset-looking-at-the-horizon-over.jpg
4. Sodium blood test: MedlinePlus medical test. [Internet]. Accessed 2026 Apr 23. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sodium-blood-test
5. Hypernatremia: symptoms, treatment, causes, and more. Healthline. [Internet]. 2017 Oct 2. Accessed 2026 Apr 23. https://www.healthline.com/health/hypernatremia
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