Symptoms of dehydration may mask themselves as signs of Dementia OR make Dementia symptoms worse.

5 key points on Hydration (Water & the Brain)

1. Fluid balance is the balance of the input and output of fluids in the body to allow metabolic processes to function.
2. To assess fluid balance, nurses need to know about fluid compartments in the body and how fluid moves between these compartments.
3. Dehydration is defined as a 1% or greater loss of body mass as a result of fluid loss.
   Symptoms include impaired cognitive function, headaches, fatigue and dry skin.
   Severe dehydration can lead to hypovolaemic shock, organ failure and death.
4. The three elements to assessing fluid balance and hydration status are: clinical assessment, body weight and urine output; review of fluid balance charts; and review of blood chemistry.
5. Fluid balance recording is often inadequate or inaccurate often because of staff shortages, lack of training or lack of time.

 

(Ref: Nursing Times 19.07.11 / Vol 107 No 28 / www.nursingtimes.net)