Dementia and dehydration risks

The progression of dementia brings with it the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. People in dementia care may forget to eat or drink, or begin to lose interest in those activities. The aging process can also decrease the ability to feel thirsty, which is often accelerated by dementia. It becomes difficult to monitor whether your loved one has been eating and drinking enough, therefore, the best approach in dehydration dementia care is to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Dehydration signs to watch out for

It’s important to watch out for signs of dehydration as you’re looking after loved one, since becoming dehydrated increases the rates of hospitalisation and even death. Common symptoms include dry mouth, tongue and lips, reduced skin elasticity and dryness, feeling disorientated, drowsy or confused, sunken eyes, low blood pressure and darker urine. In general, the paler the urine, the more hydrated the person is. The trouble with some of these symptoms, including disorientation and confusion, is that they are often associated with dementia, so it can be difficult to identify that your loved one is, in fact, dehydrated. It’s important to monitor any irregularities and contact your GP if you have any concerns or suspect the dementia patient might be dehydrated. 

Tips to reduce dehydration risk in dementia

To help keep your loved one hydrated and well, you may need to assist them with other symptoms of dementia. They are at higher risk of dehydration if they need help with food and fluid intake, or are taking medications such as laxatives or diuretics. Depression, physical ailments and acute illnesses all play a significant role. If your loved one lives in a care home, ensure there’s an adequate number of care staff that are properly trained on dehydration. Reduced cognitive performance can also increase their risk of dehydration, so monitor their fluid intake to prevent further complications and health issues. Lastly, choose water based drinks and avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible. 

The importance of staying hydrated

Although dementia can be passed on through genetics, lifestyle plays a major role in prevention and slowing the progression of the disease. Staying hydrated has been proven to improve cognitive function and maintain healthy energy levels. Consequently, this helps you keep up other healthful habits like exercising regularly, which in turn, can help with depression and aid regular social interaction, which are known factors in dementia prevention. Further, water helps to regulate hunger levels, helping you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the possibility of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which put you at a higher risk of developing dementia. 

Jelly Drops

There may be a new product entering the market for those who have already developed dementia and struggle to stay hydrated. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother, who was hospitalised due to dehydration, Lewis Hornby has developed ‘Jelly Drops’. These are special sweets, consisting of 90% water and electrolytes, making them especially hydrating. Alzheimer’s Society are currently working with Lewis to make the product available for people in dementia care. This could be a fantastic way to help dementia patients stay hydrated, whilst being able to enjoy their sweets, and we are excited to keep an eye out for when these become available.