What long-term effect can dehydration have on the body?

Dehydration can lead to wrinkled skin over time due to the body's inability to maintain adequate moisture levels in the skin’s outer layer. When the body is dehydrated, it may draw water from the skin to supply vital organs, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, chronic dehydration may decrease blood flow to the skin, worsening its appearance and leading to a dull complexion.

On the other hand, while hydration is important for maintaining energy levels, cognitive function, and digestion, a long-term effect of dehydration would not be an increase in these areas. In fact, dehydration negatively impacts mental clarity and cognitive performance, and it can also slow down digestion by affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the choice stating that dehydration results in wrinkled skin accurately reflects the physiological changes that can occur due to long-term insufficient water intake.