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Dehydration

How to prevent dehydration in a person with dementia

A person with dementia may be more at risk of dehydration, as they may forget to drink. They may not be able to tell you when they are thirsty. Dehydration is more common in elderly people with dementia. As we age, the water content in our bodies decreases, along with our thirst. In some cases, the person may not realise they are thirsty.

A Royal Society of Medicine conference in 2014 revealed that people with dementia are six times more likely to be dehydrated. In 2015, researchers from the University of East Anglia said that one in five people in care homes weren’t drinking enough fluids.

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Even mild dehydration can increase the risk of falls due to dizziness and cause confusion, so it’s important for the person to remain hydrated. Ideally the person needs to drink six to eight glasses of water per day.

Signs of dehydration

  • Confusion – the person may seem more confused or disorientated than usual

  • Problems with balance – the person may be unsteady on their feet and have difficulty walking

  • Toilet troubles - if the person isn’t going to the toilet as much as usual, they may be dehydrated. 

How to tell if a person is dehydrated

Here’s a simple test you can try. Gently lift the skin on the back of the person’s hand and hold it for a few seconds, then let go. If it doesn’t bounce back within seconds, it’s a sign of dehydration.

How to get the person to drink more water

  • Gently prompt them to sip water at regular intervals

  • Make sure they have access to water or other hydrating drinks without having to get up

  • If they dislike plain water, dilute it with a cordial drink, or add a slice of lemon to make it more appealing. Failing that, fruit juices can be a good choice

  • Offer them smoothies or cups of tea if they get bored of the same drinks

  • Serve foods with high water content such as vegetables, fruit and soups

  • Serve drinks in a beaker or cup that is easy for them to hold.

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Should a person with dementia drink alcohol?

This can be a difficult question to answer as a drink may help the person to relax and unwind, but you may have concerns about whether it’s a good idea. 

Alcohol may interfere with some forms of medication, making it less effective and making the person more at risk of side effects.

It can be easy for a person with dementia to drink too much as they may forget how much they have had to drink. 

They may also drink to combat boredom. Keeping the person stimulated with activities and tasks during the day may reduce the urge to drink if boredom is the reason.

Speak to the person’s family if you have concerns about their drinking, and find out whether it’s OK to serve them alcohol if they ask for it.

If you do give them a drink, it’s best to limit the amount they have or keep alcohol out of sight. You could try serving them low or non-alcoholic varieties if possible.

However, Alzheimer’s Society says that if the person has alcohol-related dementia due to previous alcohol use then it’s best not to give them a drink. 


Source:

https://www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1572412/One-in-five-older-people-at-risk-of-dehydration-in-care-homes#:~:text=New%20research%20has%20revealed%20that,living%20with%20dementia%20or%20diabetes.