Drinking Enough Fluids in Dementia

SUMMER ALERT:

With dementia, some people may lose their sense of thirst, making dehydration more than just a simple summertime danger. To further complicate matters, certain medicines make it essential to have plenty of fluids. Use this checklist of 9 ways to stay hydrated.

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It's important for your body to have plenty of fluids each day. Water helps you digest your food, absorb nutrients, and then get rid of the unused waste.

With dementia, some people may lose their sense of thirst. To further complicate matters, some medicines might make it even more important to have plenty of fluids.

Drinking enough fluids every day is essential. Check with your doctor, however, if you've been told to limit how much you drink.

The National Institute on Aging has the following tips for elderly people with dementia:

1. Try to add liquids throughout the day.
2. Take sips from a glass of water, milk, or juice between bites during meals.
3. Have a cup of low-fat soup as an afternoon snack.
4. Drink a full glass of water if you need to take a pill.
5. Have a glass of water before you exercise or go outside to garden or walk, especially on a hot day.
6. l Remember, water is a good way to add fluids to your daily routine without adding calories.
7. Drink fat-free or low-fat milk, or other drinks without added sugars.
8. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly and in moderation. That means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men.
9. Don't stop drinking liquids if you have a urinary control problem. Talk with your doctor about treatment.

SOURCE:
National Institute on Aging
National Institutes of Health
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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