Introduction
Dehydration is one the primary reasons for why people develop Alzheimer’s Disease. When we sweat or we drink fluids, we lose electrolytes and water from the body. The amount of water Americans get on a regular basis is simply not sufficient to maintain optimal hydration for our bodies. Consequently, it is important to re-hydrate our brains and to help keep them well- lubricated in order to minimize any risk of dehydration that may be associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that affects the ability of individuals to think, speak, and remember. As the disease progresses, people tend to become confused and disoriented. In more severe cases, they can also develop dementia and become numerous times their original weight due to water loss in the body (in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s). Dehydration can cause dizziness and fainting. The most common outcome of dehydration in Alzheimer’s patients is a fall that could lead to serious injury or death without prompt treatment.
The importance of proper hydration cannot be understated for people with Alzheimer’s – this condition is characterized by dry skin often accompanied by itching. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dehydration is a common side-effect of Alzheimer’s disease. It is something that should be monitored by caregivers, because it can easily lead to infections, delirium or death if left untreated. This guide will help caregivers identify the signs of dehydration in Alzheimer’s patients, as well as offer strategies for preventing the condition before it sets in.
10 Ways In Preventing Dehydration in Alzheimer’s Patients
1. Give Plenty of Drinking Water/ Distilled/ Diluted Juice
Alzheimer’s patients are at risk of becoming dehydrated because they can’t swallow properly or they tend to forget to drink liquids. You can prepare juice by diluting it with water (in 1:1 proportion). This way, your loved one will get all the necessary nutrients, while experiencing the taste and sensation of drinking without being overly thirsty. Also, you should give your loved one 2 glasses of water after every meal.
2. Monitor Your Loved One’s Urine Color
You should check how often your loved one goes to the bathroom, whether they flush the toilet every time they use it and also look at their urine color from time to time. If you notice a change of color from dark yellow to light yellow, your loved one may be dehydrated. And if the urine is very pale or watery, it could mean your loved one is suffering from dehydration.
3. Take Your Loved One Out for a Walk
Dehydration happens because we can’t sweat for more than 20 minutes at a time, so walking for about 30 minutes will help you maintain hydration levels. If you like, you can also go on outdoor walks so that your loved one gets experience of the outdoors and fresh air.
4. Ensure There is Regular Hydration During the Day
Ensure that there is regular hydration during the day. Check with your loved one’s doctor on how to administer liquids. If your loved one can no longer swallow, you can try giving him/her a soft drink through a straw or water through a syringe.
5. Get Plenty of Rest
Alzheimer’s patients often suffer from insomnia, which makes them irritable, restless and keeps their appetite at bay. Since they are already vulnerable to dehydration, they should get plenty of rest so that their bodies can recuperate.
6. Start Right Away in the Morning
You can start right away in the morning by making sure your loved one is sitting comfortably at the breakfast table and hydrating them right away. Make sure they start the day with a glass of water or juice.
7. Show Your Loved One The Bathroom Sign
Alzheimer’s patients often forget about their bodies, so it’s important for them to be reminded about bathroom breaks and where the bathroom can be found in their home. If your loved one is having problems with toilet training, let them sit on the toilet seat (the adult version), show them how to wash hands, guide them to comb their hair and show that there is a mirror for self-care.
8. Consider Visiting the Doctor for Advice
Alzheimer’s patients may not be properly hydrated because they have other medical conditions, so you should consider visiting the doctor for advice on how to enhance a healthy hydration routine. Your loved one may need a special diet that can help with their hydration needs.
9. Keep Your Loved One Active
Dehydration can cause irritability and delirium, so keep your loved one active by engaging them in fun activities (coloring, puzzles and music). You could even try giving your loved one a massage. This can help relax their muscles and retain moisture in their cells, which will make them feel less thirsty.
10. Consider Purchasing a Portable Dehydration Monitor
Dehydration can be easily prevented, so you might want to consider purchasing a portable dehydration monitor to keep track of your loved one’s hydration and monitor their behavior. This will also help caregivers recognize when something is wrong with the patient, such as fainting or yelling when they are dehydrated.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s patients are at risk of experiencing dehydration due to their forgetfulness, agitation, insomnia and decreased thirst. However, it is possible for caregivers to prevent this condition by providing adequate hydration and engaging them in activities that will keep them fit. Other strategies could involve purchasing a portable dehydration monitor so that you can keep track of your loved one’s condition at all times.
When you look at the causes of dehydration in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s, you will realize that it is not just about drinking enough water. This is probably why most doctors recommend purchasing a portable dehydration monitor for elderly patients with Alzheimer’s. Dehydration can make your loved one become confused and disoriented, as well as causing serious infections, internal bleeding and death if it goes untreated. It is important to prevent this condition early on by giving your loved one plenty of liquids throughout the day and engaging them in fun activities that will stimulate their minds. Alzheimer’s can be a tough condition to take care of and it’s important to prevent dehydration with proper hydration. So, if you or a loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent this condition.