Assured Primary Care Group Inc

Sticking to familiar foods and routines
can make mealtimes easier for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Dehydration in the elderly can be a common issue due to several factors. First, as we age, our sense of thirst decreases, making us less likely to notice we should be drinking. An elderly person may simply not have that dry mouth sensation or a natural thirst response.
Also, due to mobility issues, seniors may feel that it’s too much effort to get up throughout the day and get something to drink. Combine that with the effort it takes to use the restroom, and you can see why the elderly may avoid drinking, even if they do feel thirsty.
Elderly dehydration can also be caused by incontinence issues, illnesses that involve vomiting or diarrhea, and medications. Many medications act as a diuretic, causing the senior to sweat more and lose more water throughout the day.