Keeping your loved one hydrated

29.08.11 / Alzheimer's / Author:
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During hot weather it is important  for everyone to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.  Keeping  your loved one living with Alzheimer’s  from becoming dehydrated can be difficult especially as the disease progresses and his ability to communicate verbally diminishes. He may not be able to verbalize his thirst or in later stages may not even recognize the need to drink. It is up to you as his caregiver to ensure that he is hydrated. Be sure to offer him drinks throughout the day. If he has increased anxiety, wanders, or becomes frustrated, this could be a sign of being thirsty (as well as many other things). Try offering him  a drink at this time. It may be easier to get him to drink if you offer a snack at the same time. Often people living with Alzheimer’s will drink and eat something that tastes sweet when they won’t  consume most things. If he is resistant to drinking water, try offering a sweet drink such as juice or maybe sweet tea. The important thing is that he drinks liquid regularly. Remember to stay hydrated yourself, too.

Comments: 2

Homecare.com // June 12th, 2012 - 12:50 am

Dehydration is a major problem among the elderly. They are especially affected by dehydration because many of the medications they take may further deplete the body’s water supply without their ever realizing it. Tuft’s University Center on Nutrition has become so convinced of the health benefits of water for older people that they redesigned the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid so that it “floats” (you can see the redesigned pyramid by clicking here: http://www.nutrition.tufts.edu/research/modified-mypyramid-older-adults) with eight glasses of water pictured on the bottom. http://www.homecare.com/why-water-intake-important-seniors

nancy // July 20th, 2012 - 2:41 pm

Thanks for sharing this valuable information

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