Teri Sellers
PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available for residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We normally meet twice a month, a breakfast social and a support group meeting. However, we will not meet for breakfast in June, July, and August.
Breakfast will resume in September. The support group meeting on the third Saturday will continue all summer. Our goal is to provide support and information to families that are caring for a loved one with dementia.
Our August support group meeting will include a presentation on the importance of hydration and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Do you drink enough fluids? Dehydrated seniors are more at risk of getting UTIs. This is one of the most commonly diagnosed infections in elderly adults. A simple preventative is to drink more water. Kelly Dennin, clinical director with Hospice of the West, is going to give us a little education on what a urinary tract infection is and share ways to prevent and treat this condition.
Someone with dementia may become dehydrated if they’re unable to communicate or recognise that they’re thirsty, or if they forget to drink. This can lead to headaches, increased confusion, urinary tract infections, and constipation. These can make the symptoms of dementia worse.
We often hear the adage about the importance of drinking eight glasses of water a day to keep our bodies healthy, but how about our brains? The adult human body contains around 60% water. All the cells in the body, including our brain cells, depend on this water to carry out essential functions. Therefore, if water levels are too low, our brain cells cannot function properly, leading to cognitive problems.
This presentation provides information not only for those suffering from a memory or cognitive decline, it is also important for all of us. I hope that you will mark your calendar for Aug. 19.
See you then!
If you are not a member of our group, it is easy to join. You are not alone. I want to share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Our support group is an excellent way to learn more about the journey that is dementia, and a wonderful way to meet others who are going through the same journey as you. Your information is always safe and confidential. The benefits are priceless. Please contact me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299 or [email protected].