Maintaining proper hydration is one of the keystone habits of healthy living. Hydration is important not just for our bodies, but for our brains as well. This is true for people of all ages, but some members of our society are at particular risk of dehydration as well as the negative health impacts it has on the body and brain. Studies show a link between dehydration and cognitive decline, and seniors are especially vulnerable to both.  Read on for more information. 

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is defined as insufficient fluid in the body.  Every person is different, from their body weight to their activity level to the climate they live in, so the exact amount of water needed daily will vary from one individual to the next. In general, however, drinking 8 cups of water daily should be sufficient for an average sized person with a moderate activity level who lives in a mild climate. Water aids the body in a thousand different ways, including: cushions the joints; flushes out bacteria; regulates body temperature; and transports oxygen, vitamins, and minerals to the brain. Dehydration has a negative impact on all bodily systems. 

What is cognitive decline?

Cognitive decline refers to a reduction in one or more cognitive abilities across the lifespan of an adult. Cognitive functions include memory, attention, communication, judgment, learning, and logic and reasoning. Age-related cognitive decline is subtle and typically affects attention and processing speed. Mild cognitive impairment refers to cognitive decline that’s more advanced than expected, but the individual is still able to maintain their daily life. Dementia refers to cognitive decline that disrupts a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. 

Seniors, dehydration, and cognitive decline

As mentioned above, studies show clear links between seniors, dehydration, and cognitive decline. If you’re looking for a solid argument to convince your loved one to  maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, drink plenty of water, and engage in brain-healthy activities, these 4 should do the trick.  

 #1. Seniors are vulnerable to cognitive decline

The longer a person lives, the more likely they are to accumulate factors that put them at risk for cognitive decline. In addition to their age, these factors may include:

• Medication side-effects

• Hormone imbalances

• Metabolic imbalances

• Vitamin deficiencies

• Infection

• Brain damage

• Neurodegenerative condition

• Toxins

Of course, no single factor on this list is always directly linked to an decrease in cognitive decline, but each one increases the risk. 

#2. Seniors are at risk of dehydration

The aging process changes not just the way we look, but in the way our bodies function as well. Some of these changes have a direct impact on our hydration levels. For example, muscle tissue holds significantly more water than fat cells, so as you lose muscle mass in advanced age, you have less water stored in your body. This puts you at greater risk of dehydration. In addition to changes in body composition, other factors that put seniors at greater risk of dehydration include: 

• Diminished thirst signal

• Diminished kidney function

• Consumption of alcohol and caffeine

• Medications

Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be easily addressed with a consistent water consumption schedule.

#3. Dehydration increases the risk of cognitive decline

Just like all the other systems in our body, our brains need water to function properly. Studies have shown that the strain of dehydration causes a decline in performance on complex cognitive tasks, particularly those involving attention, executive function, and motor coordination. Dehydration can cause:

• Poor concentration

• Increased reaction times

• Short-term memory problems

• Agitation

• Low mood

You can help support your loved one’s brain health by supporting their hydration. 

#4. Cognitive decline can increase the risk of dehydration

Our brain serves us in a variety of different ways, many that go unnoticed until an important function is disrupted. Not only does hydration affect our brains, but our brains can affect our hydration levels as well. When cognitive decline occurs, the chances of dehydration increase because the individual may:

• Forget to drink

• Be unable to communicate their thirst

• Have difficulty with the mechanics of drinking (turning on the faucet, filling the glass, etc)

• Forget the steps for quenching thirst

• Not recognize that they are thirsty

Dehydration is not the root cause of dementia, but in some cases, rehydration can restore functioning lost due to dehydration.  If your loved one is having trouble eating and hydrating properly, maintaining healthy habits, or otherwise taking care of themselves, they may be a good fit for our Dementia Care Center in San Diego. 

Dementia Occupational Therapy in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista Health Center, our dementia occupational therapists work with clients who suffer from dementia and other types of memory loss.  The goal of the Occupational Therapy program here at our 5-Star skilled nursing facility is to address the challenges that interfere with a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and provide a treatment plan to overcome them. Our entire staff is committed to helping each patient reach their therapeutic goals and maximize their independence. For more information on Bella Vista Health Center’s skilled nursing facility or Occupational Therapy program, please contact us at (619) 644-1000.