Why Adequate Hydration is Important for a Healthy Brain
Healthy aging and drinking water
From a young age, we learn the importance of drinking enough water every day. Adequate hydration is important to balance fluids, cleanse the body of toxins and maintain bowel function. For people with Alzheimer’s, the effect of water on the brain is among the most important. A young and healthy brain cannot function properly without adequate water. People who have dementia may suffer even more, as a lack of fluids can lead to worsening symptoms. Dehydration and Alzheimer’s are a dangerous combination.
It’s important to know how to avoid dehydration for seniors. Every assisted living community puts this information into action by taking initiatives to ensure residents keep their brains well hydrated.
How dehydration and Alzheimer’s affect the brain
The brain is about three-quarters water, and the organ needs an adequate supply of fluid to function at maximum capacity. The gray matter shrinks, and prolonged dehydration can cause the brain to age faster than normal. This is a growing problem in older people in general. Research shows that dehydration is one of the main reasons people over 65 are admitted to the emergency room.
For a person who has problems with memory or often feels disoriented, even mild dehydration can affect their health and quality of life. Lack of water can worsen the symptoms of dementia and lead to a variety of symptoms. Mental fatigue, sudden mood swings, confusion and problems processing information, as well as nausea, balance problems and headaches can result. In severe cases, this can lead to heat stroke and unconsciousness. A well-hydrated brain, on the other hand, benefits from improved concentration, maintenance of memory function, a balanced mood and even better sleep quality. Water is also important for heart health and muscle and joint function, all of which are necessary to stay physically active. It’s another way to keep the brain oxygenated and sharp.
Unfortunately, people with dementia are at increased risk of becoming dehydrated. They may simply forget to drink, and some have difficulty communicating their needs to their caregivers. In addition, certain medications can reduce fluid levels in the body. Seniors with incontinence problems have even intentionally given up drinking in order to urinate less often. To make matters worse, as people age, their sense of thirst gradually diminishes.
Keeping older people hydrated
Because the signs and symptoms of dehydration in Alzheimer’s patients are similar to those of dementia, dehydration is too often overlooked by unknowing caregivers simply as a consequence of the disease. In addition to increased dementia symptoms, seniors may also suffer from dry mouth, fatigue, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness and rapid breathing, as well as low urine output or yellow urine.
Knowing how to recognize dehydration is good, but the real goal must be to avoid it altogether. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends keeping Alzheimer’s patients hydrated by making it readily available to them. For this reason, it is advisable to set up hydration stations that make water available to seniors at all times of the day. In addition, provide drinks with natural flavors such as lemon and strawberry slices to make them more appealing to seniors. In addition, highly visible slips of paper remind residents to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
It is also important for the elderly to eat a balanced diet to ensure optimal mental function. Incorporating superfoods such as salmon, blueberries and whole grains into meals should and can improve quality of life by keeping the mind alert and the body healthy. HEALTHY BRAIN = HAPPY LIFE
Final thoughts
One of the most important things is to make the person realize that it is very, very important to drink enough. With the tips and tricks listed here, this should be possible. However, if a person has dementia or Alzheimer’s and needs help, it is even more important that you, as a loving relative, keep a special eye on them and, in addition, that caregivers always make sure that enough fluids are being taken in.
Remedic Pill Box with Ergonomic Water Glass
One example is the Remedic Pill Box with Ergonomic Water Glass. This has markings on the side to keep track of how much fluid has been taken in.
To make your life easier and more independent, Remedic offers many products for everyday life. Visit our website at https://remedic.co/products/
We hope you enjoyed our blog post on “Why Adequate Hydration is Important for a Healthy Brain”. Please contact us anytime if you have any questions or comments.
Sources:
https://www.aegisliving.com/resource-center/hydration-for-a-healthy-brain/
https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/study-finds-a-lack-of-adequate-hydration-among-the-elderly
https://remedic.co/product/ergonomic-medication-cup-with-pill-box-for-medicine-and-supplements/