Hydration May Affect Cognitive Function in Some Older Adults

A Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) study in the European Journal of Nutrition found hydration may impact cognitive performance in older adults, reports Medical Xpress . The researchers discovered that lower hydration levels were associated with reduced scores on a task for gauging motor speed, sustained attention, and working memory among older women, but not among older men. "This is important because older adults already face increased risk of cognitive decline with advancing age and are often less likely than younger adults to meet daily recommendations on water intake," said Penn State's Hilary Bethancourt. Similar results were observed among overhydrated subjects, added Penn State Professor Asher Rosinger. "Because of this, being in the 'sweet spot' of hydration seems to be best for cognitive function, especially for tasks requiring sustained attention," he explained. The findings imply that older adults may want to closely monitor their hydration status, by consuming sufficient liquids to avoid dehydration and ensuring adequate electrolyte balance to avoid overhydration. "Because older adults may not necessarily feel thirsty when their body is reaching a state of underhydration and may be taking diuretics that can increase salt excretion, it is important for older adults and their physicians to better understand the symptoms of being both under- and overhydrated," Rosinger concluded.