Alzheimer's is a progressive, incurable dementia that generally affects people age 65 and older. One of the side effects of this dementia is that afflicted persons may forget to consume sufficient water and become dehydrated.
History
Alzheimer's is a neurological condition that primarily affects men and women aged 65 and older, although there are forms of the disease that can affect younger people. Alzheimer's disease results from a misfolding protein that becomes toxic to neurons and disrupts brain function. As a result, it is a progressive and incurable disease, leading to dementia.
Identification
Dehydration is the loss of water from the body relative to the things that are normally dissolved in it (different than hypovolemia, which is a lack of water based on volume, not dissolved substances. Dehydration can happen for many reasons, including a lack of consumed water (especially in hot environments), blood loss, diarrhea and vomiting. It can also happen in response to certain infectious diseases and poor nutrition, especially with diets high in salt.
Considerations
It is often very easy for a person suffering from Alzheimer's to get dehydrated as a result of their dementia. Often times, people suffering from Alzheimer's will forget to drink water or other fluids. They may not even be aware that they are thirsty, or remember the need for regular meals. Vomiting and diarrhea can also contribute. In addition, certain medications that they may be on, such as blood pressure medication, may also dehydrate them.
Effects
One way to tell if someone suffering from Alzheimer's is dehydrated is to look at their behavior. As someone becomes progressively more dehydrated, their sodium levels will rise, causing confusion. Of course, this can be difficult to notice in someone with a disease which has a primary symptom of confusion. Still, look for behavior and talking that is more confused than normal.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to treat dehydration is by having the afflicted drink water. Water is better than sports drinks and other beverages with electrolytes because their exact composition may differ from what the patient needs. Also, keep in mind it may not be enough to simply tell a dehydrated Alzheimer's patient to drink a glass of water. Give them the glass of water and watch them drink it, reminding them to sip. As a proactive measure, if you are taking care of someone who suffers from Alzheimer's, be vigilant about keeping them hydrated.
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