Just passing on a couple of tidbits I discovered as the caregiver for my 89 year old Dad.  

My Dad has dementia but is able to do most common things like getting dressed, shaving, bathing...etc.  Mostly has a problem with short term memory.  In taking care of him for these past 5 years, I've noticed that if he isn't drinking a lot of water (at least 40oz) daily it affects his dementia.   Especially when it's hot, because he's losing additional water through perspiration.

Here's what I've noticed:
When he drinks only a couple of glasses of water/ liquids during the day, he becomes more confused and forgets how to do some of the common tasks.  He has trouble buttoning his shirt, buckling the seatbelt, swallowing his pills, concentrating on TV shows and other tasks that he usually performs without a problem.  He has dis-jointed conversations with us and talks really soft, like he's wore out, in fact if you ask him how he feels, he tells you that he's "just plum wore out".

Once we start making him drink more water, his confusion goes away and returns to his normal state within an hour or over night.  I've also noticed if he doesn't take folic acid, the same confusion occurs.  

I believe the combination of lots of water and folic acid helps maintain a stable state of mind for him.   He takes medicine for the dementia and it has kept him at the same level for several years now.   However, as soon as he stops drinking lots of water, his state of mind slips. 

A friend who is also taking care of her mother with dementia has experienced this same situation.  We suggested drinking more water and she has found that lots of water keeps her mom at a steady state and reduces the confusion associated with her mom's dementia.

The other tid bit, we take my dad to a senior center each day during the week and he spends time with folks his own age, they exercise, play games, discuss newspaper articles and more.  This has helped him to be more active and he looks forward to going each day.  We've noticed an extra alertness in him since we started taking him to the center. It also gives us a break and allows us to run errands.

I bought one of those 32oz sports bottles and staff at the center keep it full of water right in front of him.  They make sure he drinks from it.  He usually goes through about 40oz while he's there and another 20-40oz in the evening.

It's amazing what the water does for him.  After seeing the difference in him , I've begun drinking a lot more water and taking B complex vitamin for the folic acid.  I feel a lot more alert.

So if you or a loved one feels sluggish try lots of water and folic acid supplements. 

Let me know if you notice a difference like we did.