Link Between Proper Hydration and Dementia for Seniors

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.

How Do You Promote a Senior’s Self-Esteem?

Seniors are valuable members of our society, but they may not always feel like it. The challenges of aging can sometimes take a toll on their self-esteem. The loss of loved ones, health challenges, limited mobility, and a loss of independence can lead to feelings of loneliness and irrelevance, symptoms of depression, and a decrease in self-esteem. By paying special attention to the following areas of concern, you can help maximize your loved one’s quality of life and boost their self-esteem.

Social connection

Studies have shown that social relationships are vital to happiness and quality of life for everyone, no matter what age they are. You can help stave off the loneliness and isolation common with older adults by arranging card games, outings, lunch dates, game nights or other activities with your loved one and their friends or family members.  

Active lifestyle

Exercise increases self-esteem by boosting mood-enhancing hormones for the short-term and by helping us feel good about our bodies for the long-term.  Join your senior for regular walks or yoga classes. Or gift them with a membership at a dance school where they’ll not only get the exercise they need, but where they’ll receive the social benefits as well. 

Self-care and good hygiene

Personal hygiene is directly linked to self-esteem. When a person takes the time to care for their teeth, their body, their hair, it says they are worth the time and effort. You can help your senior’s self-esteem by driving them to salon appointments, putting on their makeup before an outing, or making sure they’re stocked up with all the necessary hygiene supplies at home. 

Beautiful clothing

Feeling good about the way you look is not reserved for the young. Older people love to feel attractive too, but unfortunately, many seniors give up on the idea of feeling pretty or handsome. Help your loved one choose clothing that makes them happy, colors they love or fabrics that feel great on their skin, and remind them that there are no rules for what they can or can’t wear just because they’re older. 

A sense of relevance

When the culture is centered around the youth, older people often feel irrelevant, which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. To help your senior continue to feel relevant and important, include them in family discussions about current events, ask for their opinions and advice about personal matters or things they’re knowledgeable about.  The more a person feels included and involved in the life around them, the better it is for their self-esteem. 

Creativity

Creative activities have been shown to improve brain elasticity in older adults. This means that drawing, painting, ceramics or other creative pursuits help keep the brain fit. They can also reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and increase self-esteem. Encourage your senior to sign up for drawing classes at a local community center. Or commit to a weekly date where you set up your easels side by side in the backyard or at local parks.  Just spending time coloring together is a simple creative and social activity that can help keep the brain active. 

Independence

It’s important to help maximize your loved one’s independence in any way you can.  Whether your loved one lives on their own or with you, making modifications in the home is a good way to help them stay safe while also maintaining their independence. This may include simple changes such as installing grab bars in bathrooms or more complex changes such as lowering counter heights and widening doorways for wheelchair users. 

Emotional support

For older adults who may have lost their siblings, best friends, or spouses, emotional support may not be easily available.  You can tune in by asking them how they’re doing and really listening to what they have to say. Additionally, keep an eye out in your area for support groups for seniors. Or, if they’d be willing to speak to a therapist or pastor, you can help make arrangements. 

5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista Health Center, we understand how health conditions and recovery from surgery can take a toll on a person’s overall sense of wellbeing. We offer a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment and the high-quality care our patients need to achieve optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Our team of compassionate medical specialists and professionals create customized rehabilitation programs designed to shorten recovery time and return patients to independent living as soon as possible. We also offer essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care. For more information or to schedule a tour, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

Common Infections in Older Adults and How to Prevent Them

Common Infections in Older Adults and How to Prevent Them

Have you ever noticed that in times of flu vaccine shortages, the inventory is reserved for infants, the elderly, and pregnant women? That’s because these are populations for whom the consequences of developing the flu are more severe. 

For the elderly, many infections can lead to complications that don’t usually arise in younger adults. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Knowing is half the battle,” right? Well, in the case of infection prevention, it certainly rings true. Education is the first step in protecting our loved ones from infection. Take a look below at some of the common infections in older adults – and how to prevent them. 

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria in the bladder or kidney multiplies in the urine. Along with uncomfortable symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate and pain or burning with urination, an untreated urinary tract infection can also lead to hallucinations, dizziness, falling, kidney infection, kidney failure, or even sepsis. Because the uncomfortable symptoms that allow for early detection sometimes don’t show up in the elderly, prevention is that much more important. 

How to prevent it: 
Be sure your loved one drinks 2 to 4 quarts of fluid every day. Cranberry juice or cranberry tablets (unless you have a family history of kidney stones) also help. Cotton underwear should be worn and changed daily. 

Skin Infection

Our skin is the first line of defense against bacterial invasion. Our epidermis even has a resident microflora to add to our protection. Aging, however, alters those defense mechanisms, making our skin more vulnerable to infections. The likelihood of developing herpes zoster (shingles), pressure ulcers, cellulitis, and bacterial foot infections can increase with age. 

How to prevent it: 
Have your loved one vaccinated for herpes zoster. Be sure to help them practice good hygiene and frequent hand washing.

Influenza

Older adults are prone to severe complications from influenza, due in part to weakened immunity and co-existing chronic diseases. Most people recover within a week, but it may take much longer for older adults. During this time, they are also at higher risk for developing pneumonia. 

How to prevent it: 
Seasonal flu shots are a great preventative measure. Help your loved one stay away from people who are sick and practice good hygiene to avoid catching or spreading the flu. 

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among the elderly. More than 60% of people ages 65 and older are admitted to hospitals because of pneumonia. Severe symptoms include cough, severe chest pain, labored breathing, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and more. 

How to prevent it: 
Have your loved one vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. Annual flu shots a great defense against the flu, which can lead to pneumonia. If necessary, help your loved one quit smoking and eat well to keep a healthy immune system. 

Gastrointestinal Infection

Gastrointestinal infections can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. They cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. One of the main dangers of gastrointestinal infections is dehydration. Some gastrointestinal infections resolve after a few days, but left untreated, some can lead to kidney failure, peptic ulcers, and even death. 

How to prevent it: 
Proper hand washing and cleanliness around food prep areas are both important for reducing the risk of infection. 

Your can trust us with the health of your loved one

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we take the health of our residents seriously. Our staff is highly skilled and trained in the prevention of infection as well as the detection of early signs of illness. We care so deeply about your loved ones that they become our loved ones, too, and we’ll do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy.  

For more information about our skilled nursing care, rehabilitation programs, or any of our other services, give us a call or drop by any time.  We look forward to hearing from you.