Parkinson's and Dehydration

With the extreme heat over the next few days, everyone is at risk of dehydration. Dehydration in Parkinson's is a major concern. Let's discuss why.

Dehydration can lead to negative effects within one's neurological system. This means that dehydration symptoms can sometimes look like PD symptoms which makes things a lot more complicated. Furthermore, the risk of dehydration increases as we age. This is in partly due to water cells bring compromised as we age.

Some sources share that people with PD drink 50% less than people without PD due to difficulty with swallowing, medication side effects, motor impairments making using the bathroom tricky, and the lack of thirst sensation.

Dehydration can lead to poor blood flow, higher blood pressure, and in worse cases, organ failure.

Dehydration symptoms

• Feeling thirsty. This is the first sign of dehydration!

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Muscle cramps

• Dry mouth

• Dry skin

• Lack of sweating

• Lack of tears

  
  

How to stay hydrated

• It is recommended to drink half of your body weight in ounce. If you weight 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces a day! Yes, that is a lot but slowly start to add more water over time.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot liquids which all increase dehydration.

• Eat foods with higher water content like fruits and leafy greens.

• Set a time on your phone to remind you to drink.

• Fill up a few water bottles and place them around your house so you always have water near.

• Keep a log of your water intake.

If you feel dehydrated or are feeling lightheaded or dizzy, contact a medical professional ASAP.

Sources:

https://www.neurologysolutions.com/dehydration-in-parkinsons-risks-tips-2/