Dehydration In Dementia Patients

Heather Mulder is the outreach program manager at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. Her office can be reached at (602) 839-6900.

Question: It’s hot where I live, but my loved one with Alzheimer’s refuses to drink water. Should I be worried? How can I get her to drink more?

Answer:A person’s overall risk of dehydration generally increases with age due to a natural loss in one’s sense of thirst, taking medications that promote fluid loss, and the consumption of alcohol and/or caffeinated beverages. The risk of dehydration is even greater for those with dementia, and it becomes more concerning as the disease progresses.

在痴呆症的早期阶段，一个人可能会忘记喝酒，因为他们对口渴和/或不记得他们上次喝酒时不那么敏感。那些患有中度痴呆症的人通常很难记住如何喝酒的机制，例如打开龙头，储存眼镜的地方，甚至如何将液体变成玻璃杯。在痴呆症的高级阶段，脱水的风险最为严重，因为没有意识到自己的口渴，完全渴望或无法对他人表示口渴。

脱水的症状和体征

Increased confusion and/or a change in usual behavior are the first signs that someone with dementia may be dehydrated. Additional behavior changes associated with inadequate fluid intake include weakness, fatigue, agitation, muscle cramping in the arms and legs, nausea and dizziness.

Changes in urination such as infrequent urination and/or dark amber or strong smelling urine can also signal dehydration. Certain medications and vitamins can make urine darker, so be sure to look at the overall symptoms. It is important to note that dehydration increases the risk of a urinary tract infection, which can cause an acute phase of confusion.

Tips to stay hydrated

Be proactive and never assume that someone with dementia will ask for a drink. Leave beverages out in visible areas as a reminder to drink up, always take water when out and about, and find fun and tasty ways to slip liquids into the day’s activities. Great choices include:

• Popsicles
• Ice cream
• Hot chocolate
• Broth-based soups
• Applesauce
• Jell-O
• Fruits and vegetables

When it comes to staying hydrated, drinking clear water throughout the day is always the best choice. However, if your loved one doesn’t have much of a taste for water, try flavored water, juices, or herbal tea.

Sometimes ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias get enough liquid in their diet just requires a little creativity.