Disorientation may be a sign of dehydration

By Patty Marsters

pattym@lwsb.com

When a senior suddenly starts acting confused or disoriented, it’s often mistaken for a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. These conditions rarely take hold suddenly, but rather start much more subtly. Instead, it’s likely a symptom of something easier to treat: dehydration.

A UCLA study found that 40 percent of seniors may be chronically underhydrated, which can lead to more severe health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones and falls. And since any infection could speed up the progression of dementia, it’s important to be aware of symptoms and get treatment quickly.

“So many health issues are related to inadequate hydration,” said Janet Mentes, professor of nursing at UCLA. “Many seniors are underhydrated for a period of time, and when they are exposed to a virus or bacteria, they are more likely to develop an infection, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.”

As the body ages, its fluid reserves shrink, the ability to conserve water is reduced, and the sense of thirst diminishes. Dehydration occurs when a person loses more water than is taken in. This could be because that person is simply not drinking enough fluids, but it could also be related to the use of certain medications or even uncontrolled diabetes.

UTIs can also worsen with dehydration. Seniors are the most likely age group to have a UTI because they are the least likely to have symptoms typically associated with the infection, such as pain during elimination, fever or a frequent urge to urinate. Instead, be on the lookout for skin dryness; a rapid, weak pulse; dry mouth; and an inability to sweat.

A long-festering infection puts stress on the immune system, sometimes resulting in increased muscle weakness, loss of appetite and behavioral change. This change is often referred to as delirium. Symptoms can include agitation, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, hallucinations, delusions, unusual sleepiness, or withdrawal from others. Treating the underlying infection with antibiotics will often halt the delirium.

Staying hydrated seems to be the key to prevention. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby, and take small sips often. There are varieties on the market that have times delineated on the bottle to help people stay on track. And experts recommend eating more foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, squash, melon, cottage cheese and soup.

If a loved one exhibits sudden signs of confusion, contact his or her primary care physician.