Staying well hydrated is essential for everyone, but it becomes especially important for people living with neurodegenerative disease like GRN-FTD. Adequate hydration supports blood pressure, kidney function, digestion, medication effectiveness, and brain health. Even mild dehydration can worsen confusion, fatigue, dizziness, and increase the risk of falls.

Hydration Challenges in GRN-FTD

People with GRN-FTD frequently experience changes in behavior, judgment, and executive function early in the disease. These changes can make it difficult to recognize thirst, remember to drink fluids, or initiate simple daily tasks such as getting a glass of water.

Individuals may:

• Forget to drink despite having fluids available.
• Become so focused on an activity that they ignore hunger or thirst.
• Lose awareness of their body's needs.
• Resist caregivers' reminders because of impaired insight into their condition.

As the disease progresses, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may also develop, making drinking more difficult and increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.

Tips for Caregivers

Supporting hydration often requires establishing routines rather than waiting for the person to ask for a drink.

Helpful approaches include:

• Offering fluids on a regular schedule instead of relying on thirst.
• Keeping favorite beverages visible and within easy reach.
• Serving drinks with meals and snacks.
• Offering foods with high water content, such as fruit, yogurt, soups, or smoothies.
• Watching for signs of dehydration, including dark urine, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, dry mouth, or increased confusion.
• Discussing swallowing concerns with a healthcare provider or speech-language pathologist if coughing or choking occurs during drinking.

Remember, a practical daily fluid target per day is 2-3 liters (roughly 68-100 oz) though this amount could vary depending on size, activity level, temperature, kidney and heart function and medications.