One day, when my doctor called to give me the results of a blood test, I was quite surprised to hear that my creatinine level was up. Since she knew I had been on a trip to an area with a hot and dry climate, she suggested that I could be dehydrated. I certainly didn’t feel dehydrated, but I agreed to up my water intake for two weeks and then retest. Two weeks later, she called to inform me that the creatinine level was back to normal. I was surprised at how quickly dehydration had occurred. She explained that whenever we change our routine because of travel or sickness, the healthy habits we built into our daily lives are disrupted and our systems can get out of balance. I wrote about this topic several years ago in a post titled, “Can De-Hydration Mimic Dementia?” but I believe it is worth reiterating.
What causes Dehydration?
According to the NHS, “Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than you take in”. Fluids include water and electrolytes, or the salts normally found in our bodies. Be aware, though, the risk of becoming dehydrated is not only due to a decrease in how much we take in, but sweating is also a risk factor. Sweating is our bodies’ way of lowering our temperature. When it’s hot out our need for liquids increase, so the combination of heat and sweating can potentially have extreme consequences.
Since each person’s system is different, it is important when you travel or are sick to be aware of your hydration levels. As I’ve gotten older, it seems that my body’s fluid reserve has become smaller. For example, if I haven’t been drinking enough water, it doesn’t take long for my lips to become chapped. I take it as a sign that I need to increase my water intake.
MSW library
Signs of Dehydration
I came across an article titled “Symptoms of Dehydration in Elderly People Look Like Dementia”. As the heading suggests, they compared symptoms. It is eye-opening how many of the signs appear on both lists.
- Tiredness, sleepiness, fatigue, lack of energy
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Dizziness, light-headedness
- Irritability, agitation
If you are a caregiver and find your loved one or yourself experiencing any of those indicators it might be a good idea to consider fluid intake.
Does Dehydration cause Dementia?
A study conducted by NIH to determine if dehydration is a cause or effect of the onset of dementia. The research was done on 1,091 folks aged 65 and over. The study showed that dehydration fuels the symptoms in someone who is already experiencing dementia. The greatest impact of dehydration was on those in the 65-75 age group. That age range showed the largest decline of cognitive ability. Although the study wasn’t able to prove a direct link, researchers hypothesized that chronic dehydration is perhaps one of the principal mechanisms behind the development of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
How to avoid becoming dehydrated
For both you and those you care for, it is important to be aware that as people age, they may become less able to depend on a sense of thirst to take a drink. How much water should someone drink every day? I asked the Mayo Clinic and learned that it is a simple question with a complex answer. Their advice is to have a goal of drinking eight glasses a day. That’s easy to remember, and it’s a reasonable goal.
Keep in mind, that there are times when it is important to increase fluids. For example, when you are experiencing very hot weather, periods of activity, and during sickness. If the idea of drinking more water does not sound good, try some juice or warm vegetable broth.
Besides liquid, some types of food contain a high percentage of water such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery, and watermelon just to name a few.
Those with limited mobility have a higher risk of becoming dehydrated because it may be difficult to get from one place to the other and they don’t want to bother others to get a drink for them. Getting up at night can also be a challenge. If you are a caregiver, it might be helpful to set a cut-off time for fluids sometime in the late afternoon while reassuring your loved one that it is important to maintain their fluid level and that you don’t mind helping them.
Tips to increase hydration
This has been a particularly hot summer season, so it is important to stay hydrated. It’s not always easy to make lifestyle changes, but with something as crucial as getting enough fluids, it is worth trying. Here are a few tips on how to encourage yourself and your loved ones to drink more liquids.
- Fill a container with water each morning to monitor your progress.
- Invest in a water bottle and keep it handy. When drinking, try taking small sips more often. (Remember to wash it daily!)
- Place a mug in the bathroom as a reminder.
Use whatever system that will help you increase your fluid intake. You will find the benefits are worth the effort. Cheers!
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.