Promoting Adequate Intake of Fluids

While all older adults are at risk for dehydration, this risk increases for people with dementia. In general, as one ages there is a reduced sense of thirst, an inability of the body to respond to fluid changes and increased incontinence. Besides potentially forgetting to drink, people with dementia have difficulty communicating or the physical inability to obtain fluids, even if thirst is acknowledged. Dehydration can be caused by inadequate fluid intake or increased fluid loss. Fluid loss may be attributed to diuretic medications (those that cause the body to get rid of excess water) or fever, vomiting and diarrhea caused by an infection.

Signs or symptoms of dehydration include:

• Clammy hands and feet
• Concentrated, dark urine
• Headache, dizziness
• Confusion and irritability
• Dry skin, eyes and/or mouth

Promoting hydration for the person with dementia can prevent constipation, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, renal disease, pneumonia, low blood pressure, falls and fractures, poor oral health and further confusion. To be adequately hydrated, a person with dementia should consume somewhere between seven to nine 8 fluid ounces or cups.

Sources of fluids include:

• Water
• Milk
• Tea, coffee
• Juice
• Soup (broth)
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Popsicles, ice cream
• Yogurt
• Jell-O®

It can be a challenge to get the person with dementia to meet the daily recommendations. Here are some simple methods to promote their fluid intake during the course of the day:

• Offer fluids consistently throughout the day, not just with meals and medications
• Provide beverages of their choice
• Make fluids accessible to them
• Assist those who cannot drink independently
• Verbally encourage fluid intake
• Increase social interaction and decor at meals
• Supervise those who have dysphagia (swallowing problems) while they drink

This is the 10th in a series of articles on the nutritional and feeding needs of persons with AD.

Linnea Matulat is a Nutritionist at GLWD, a non-profit agency in NYC that provides meals to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, Cancer, AD and many other serious illnesses who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves. The agency’s team of experienced nutritionists also provides nutrition education,information and counseling in individual and group sessions to clients, their caregivers and other service providers. In partnership with GLWD, the NYC Chapter is pleased to offer this service to persons with dementia and their families. For more information, please call the Chapter’s 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900.

To obtain more individualized nutrition information, the nutrition department of GLWD can be reached at
212-294-8103 or 1-800-747-2023 or by visiting www.glwd.org.

— Linnea Matulat, MS, RD, CDN
Nutritionist
God’s Love We Deliver

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