Is your senior parent or loved one dehydrated? More than likely, yes because it’s a common challenge for older people.
I see it all the time in my practice (I’m a dental hygienist in my “other life”). A 2019 report from UCLA backs me up by saying that countless seniors (about 40 percent) are “chronically dehydrated.” That’s where Jelly Drops come in.
What exactly are Jelly Drops and are they effective?
Jelly Drops are gelatin-like drops that are 95 percent water (and sugar-free as well) and have electrolytes. A senior can eat Jelly Drops as a sweet treat to ward off dehydration. They’re especially recommended for dementia patients, but all seniors can enjoy Jelly Drops.
If you want to learn even more about Jelly Drops, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s article, we’ll explain what Jelly Drops are, how they work, if they’re safe, and how many a senior should ingest in a day.
What Are Jelly Drops For Dementia?
Jelly Drops are bite-sized candies that seek to overcome the aforementioned dehydration problem that’s so common in older adults, especially those with dementia. They’ve been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK, where the Jelly Drops founder lives.
Whether the senior in your life simply forgets to drink water due to their dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or they struggle with mobility and can’t access much water, Jelly Drops can help.
They’re also useful for those seniors who don’t like the flavorlessness of water and for those who are living in care homes where they may be dependent on staff to bring them their daily water intake.
Here are some additional tips to on how to get an elderly person to drink more water.
Who Invented Jelly Drops?
Founder Lewis Hornby is the creator and designer of Jelly Drops. He got the idea after his late grandmother, Grandma Pat, was rushed to the hospital with severe dehydration.
She loved candies, so he set out to create a way to solve the dehydration dilemma in seniors. He also wanted his product to taste good.
He didn’t do this alone. Hornby also partnered with dementia psychologists, doctors, and even dementia patients to finesse Jelly Drops into the award-winning treat they are today (yes, they have received numerous honors, including the Helen Hamlyn Design Award and the National Dementia Care Awards Innovation Of The Year 2020).
Despite that Jelly Drops may taste sweet and come in an assortment of bright colors, they’re not full of sugar. In fact, they’re completely sugar-free.
The outer surface of Jelly Drops is smooth. Inside, the teardrop shape candies are solid without a splashing liquid center that can be off-putting to some.
All the colors used to make Jelly Drops are naturally-sourced, and seniors can select from six unique flavors, which are each artificially and naturally flavored.
The treats are even vegan and made with recyclable packaging.
The best part about Jelly Drops? Each candy contains 95 per cent water as well as electrolytes, so they are an enjoyable way to increase your fluid intake.
Watch my video review of Jelly Drops
How Do Jelly Drops Work?
Unlike real candy, which has very low moisture levels, Jelly Drops are almost 100 percent water.
All your senior parent or loved one has to do is open the tray (or you can open it for them), select a Jelly Drop flavor they want to snack on, and pop one (or more) in their mouth.
We’ll talk later about how many Jelly Drops a senior can ingest per day, so be sure to check that out.
Jelly Drops, since they contain 95 percent water, can support hydration in a senior who hasn’t been drinking enough water that day.
You’ll recall from the last section that Jelly Drops contain electrolytes as well, which is hugely important.
You see, as you sweat, your body loses electrolytes. While drinking a glass of water after working up a sweat can reduce that uncomfortable thirsty feeling, water does not contain electrolytes.
If your electrolyte levels remain low, then you’re not truly hydrated no matter how much water you drink. You need to restore those electrolytes, and Jelly Drops can make a real difference before dehydration becomes a more serious problem.
Usually, the alternative is to consume sports beverages such as Gatorade or a beverage like Pedialyte.
Gatorade, however, is bogged down with sugars while Pedialyte can be unappealing to a lot of people, even the flavored versions.
Jelly Drops are palatable, easy to eat, and taste like a dessert. Your senior parent or loved one won’t add to their sugars by enjoying Jelly Drops, only hydrate themselves through nourishing water and electrolytes.
*NOTE: Jelly Drops are NOT recommended for people with swallowing difficulties. The company recommends that you check with a speech language therapist before purchasing, if you have any concerns about your loved one being able to swallow them.
Can Dehydration Make Alzheimer’s Worse?
How much water should adults be consuming daily? According to an article on Healthline, “The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has suggested that women drink around 9 cups of water daily and men around 12.5 cups a day.”
That said, we’ve already established that those with Alzheimer’s or dementia might struggle to remember to drink or might not always have an easy means to access water throughout the day.
In some instances, a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient can even lose the ability to recognize that they feel thirsty.
Failing to drink will bring on a variety of dehydration symptoms. Besides feeling thirsty, some of the symptoms of dehydration can include constipation, urinary tract infections, confusion, and headaches, according to Alzheimer’s.org.
Those symptoms, in particular, can worsen memory problems, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It’s not only that. In a 2020 article in Cognitive Vitality through the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, it was reported that the neurons in dehydrated adults were found to work harder when doing basic tasks.
Cognitive Vitality then says that while young, healthy adults might experience nothing more than mood changes from being dehydrated but pushing through with a task, that the elderly could have more noticeable drops in cognitive decline when dehydrated and trying to do the same.
The article cites a collection of more than 30 studies done on the topic that includes over 400 participants in all.
Those who were dehydrated to the point where the equivalent is more than two percent body mass reduction experienced “significant impairments on attention, executive function, and motor coordination.”
Explore hydration products for the elderly here.
Are Jelly Drops Safe?
Whether your senior parent or loved one suffers from dementia or they’re just forgetful about drinking water, you’re interested in offering them Jelly Drops. How safe are these?
Let’s take a look at what Jelly Drops are made of and how nutritious they are to answer that question.
Nutrition
From a nutritional standpoint, Jelly Drops are very safe.
A half-cup of Jelly Drops contains only 15 calories. The drops have zero grams of total fat, 80 milligrams of sodium (less than one percent of the recommended daily value), four grams of carbs (one percent of the recommended daily value), and zero sugars.
Jelly Drops also contain 28 milligrams of calcium, which is two percent of the recommended daily value, 1.1 milligrams of iron (six percent of the recommended daily value), and 90 milligrams of potassium (two percent of the recommended daily value).
They’re not the heathiest treat because they’re mostly water. Jelly Drops are anything but unhealthy though.
Ingredients
Okay, you’re convinced that Jelly Drops are an easy way for your senior to get independent hydration, but what about the ingredients in Jelly Drops? Let’s go over them now.
- Sucralose (a type of sugar)
- Trisodium citrate (a food preservative)
- Potassium chloride (prevents low potassium levels)
- Salt
- Sodium benzoate (keeps food fresh)
- Spirulina extract (a type of sugar)
- Turmeric (a spice)
- Paprika oleoresin (a natural food coloring)
- Black carrot juice (a natural food coloring)
- Natural flavors
- Potassium sorbate (a food preservative)
- Malic acid (a natural alpha hydroxy acid in some fruits)
- Citric acid (a citric food additive)
- Lactic acid (a food preservative)
- Dextrin (a type of sugar)
- Agar-agar (plant-based gelatin)
- Acacia gum (a food thickener)
- Locust bean gum
- Xanthan gum
- Gellan gum
- Maltodextrin (a type of sugar)
- Water
There are no particularly concerning ingredients on this list, just a lot of natural products and gelling agents.
You’ll notice an absence of red, blue, and yellow dyes, which is good. Some of those dyes can have controversial effects on one’s health.
*Jelly drops are available either one package at a time or on a subscription basis.
How Many Jelly Drops A Day?
Although you didn’t think it would happen, your senior parent or loved one is now hooked on Jelly Drops. How many per day can a person with dementia enjoy?
Well, on the official Jelly Drops website in the prescribed daily intake section, it’s not clear.
One serving is 8 Jelly Drops, so maybe start with that amount.
This water candy is good for at least four weeks from the date they’re shipped. Your senior should prioritize eating the drops within seven days of opening them.
Jelly Drops don’t need to be refrigerated, but they’re a lot more refreshing when they come straight from the fridge.
Keep in mind that refrigerating these water sweets does not extend their shelf life. You also shouldn’t freeze them, says the Jelly Drops website.
Can You Buy Jelly Drops In The US?
Yes, Jelly Drops are now available in the US. You can only order them from the Jelly drops website however (see button below) – they aren’t available on Amazon.
When I ordered my package so I could try them for my review, I was pleased at how quickly they showed up at my door (less than 10 days).
They came well-packed in a cardboard box and were in great shape, despite the summer heat.
I ordered the Snack Pots because there are 5 Jelly Drops in a small package. Since I will only be using them when I am at work, I figured they wouldn’t be as likely to dry out as quickly as the ones in the Original Tray.
They’re perfect for me to take to work and keep on hand for those chaotic days in my dental office.
Conclusion
Jelly Drops are a candy-like confection that contains 95 percent water.
Designed for seniors, especially those with dementia who are chronically dehydrated, Jelly Drops also contain electrolytes for fully restoring a senior’s hydration levels.
Sugar-free, low-calorie, low-carb, and fairly natural, if you haven’t bought Jelly Drops for the senior in your life, you should treat them to some!
FAQs
What is the best way to hydrate a dementia patient? ›
If possible, offer the person the cup or put it where they can see it clearly. Offer different types of drink throughout the day such as tea, coffee, hot and cold milky drinks, fruit juice or smoothies, soup, squash and water. Make sure the cup or glass is suitable – not too heavy or a difficult shape.
Are Jelly Drops good for dementia? ›Jelly Drops are made of 95% water, providing a boost in fluid intake for those with dementia who struggle with hydration.
Does jelly help with dehydration? ›A jelly a day keeps dehydration away.
What are hydration drops? ›Your daily dose of electrolytes and trace minerals without the sugar, sweeteners or flavors. Add to any beverage. 40 servings/bottle.
Is Pedialyte good for dementia patients? ›Those with Alzheimer's often prefer more flavorful options, especially sweet ones. Sports drinks and Pedialyte not only provide taste, but also salts, minerals, and electrolytes. Watered-down fruit juices are another possible alternative, as well as flavored water.
How do you hydrate an elderly person who won't drink? ›If you have trouble drinking fluids, try including water-rich foods with every meal. These include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and celery. Soups, broths and stews are also a good way to boost your fluid intake, especially in the colder weather.
How many Jelly Drops can you have in a day? ›Each tray of 24 drops is equal to about 300ml of water, providing excellent support for daily water intake. Most people have a handful drops a few times a day.
Does jelly count as water intake? ›Foods can contribute to your fluid intake also, such as ice lollies, soup, stews, yoghurts and jelly. Some fruits and vegetables, such as melon, tomatoes and cucumber, are also good sources of fluid. If you feel thirsty all the time it could be that you have a health condition such as diabetes.
What is the dementia vitamin drink? ›Souvenaid® is a medical nutrition drink that contains a unique blend of ingredients known as Fortasyn® Connect. Souvenaid® provides the key nutritional building blocks to support the growth of brain connections. Taken daily for at least 6 months, Souvenaid® supports memory function in early Alzheimers disease.
What liquid hydrates you the fastest? ›The researchers found that while water – both still and sparkling –does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.
What liquid hydrates you the most? ›
Plain water is the best way to hydrate, no second guessing necessary.
What hydrates you better than water? ›Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
What desserts are good for dementia patients? ›For dessert, consider applesauce, ice cream sundaes, cookies, or pies. Modify and improvise. Alter recipes to suit the abilities of participants. For instance, if an apple pie recipe is too complex for somebody with dementia, try an apple crisp or applesauce.
Is Gatorade or Liquid IV. better for hydration? ›Compared to Gatorade, Liquid IV has less calories and sugar, but higher amounts of the electrolytes sodium and potassium. Liquid IV also contains B vitamins, too.
Is IV hydration better than Gatorade? ›Liquid IV vs Gatorade? We're not surprised you asked. Liquid IV doesn't come ready to drink like Gatorade, but it has fewer sugars and calories. It also contains vitamins and minerals that Gatorade doesn't.
Why do dementia patients stop drinking water? ›During the early stages of dementia, a person may simply forget to drink because they are less sensitive to thirst and/or cannot recall when they last took a drink.
What is not good for dementia patients? ›- Margarine. A University of Minnesota study found a possible link between diacetyl (an ingredient in margarine) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. ...
- Fried Foods. ...
- Soda & Other Sugary Beverages. ...
- Processed Meats. ...
- Foods Containing MSG.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications — including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment. ...
- Memantine. ...
- Other medications.
1. Water. While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate. Unlike many other beverages, water contains no added sugars or calories, making it ideal to drink throughout the day or specifically when you need to rehydrate, such as after a workout.
Is Gatorade good for dehydration in elderly? ›Both are rehydration drinks
Pedialyte and Gatorade are both designed to prevent or treat dehydration. In fact, thanks to their electrolyte content, they're more effective than water at rehydrating.
How much water should an 80 year old drink a day? ›
Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups.
What do you do when a dementia patient refuses to eat? ›Give the person gentle reminders to eat, and remind them what the food is. Don't assume the person has finished because they've stopped eating. If the person is agitated or distressed, don't put pressure on them. Wait until they are calm and less anxious before offering food and drink.
What are Jelly Drops equivalent to? ›One tray of Jelly Drops contains 1.25 cups of water. One gallon of water contains 16 cups. 12.8 trays of Jelly Drops equals 1 gallon of water (16 / 1.25 = 12.8).
What are Jelly Drops made of? ›Jelly Drops are sweets made of 95% water with added electrolytes. He made them bright and colourful to attract attention while the firm texture and teardrop shape makes them easy to handle, allowing the elderly and those with dementia to boost their water intake independently and with dignity.
Does applesauce count as fluid intake? ›In fact, both apple juice and applesauce contain about 88% water! A 4 oz (1/2 cup or 125 mL) portion of either provides about 3½ oz (110 mL) of water.
Does oatmeal count as fluid intake? ›Not only is it hearty and filling, oatmeal is also very hydrating. When oats are cooking, they expand and absorb the water or milk they're being paired with.
What foods help hydrate the body? ›- Cucumber (96%) If you love the crunch of a cucumber, you're in luck. ...
- Iceberg Lettuce (96%) Darker greens do provide more fiber, folate and vitamin K. ...
- Celery (95%) ...
- Radishes (95%) ...
- Romaine Lettuce (95%) ...
- Tomatoes (94%) ...
- Zucchini & Summer Squash (94%) ...
- Asparagus (92%)
Encourage Fluids
If swallowing water is difficult, try offering fruit or vegetable juice, soup or yogurt, which are all water-based. You can also try thickening liquids by adding cornstarch or unflavored gelatin. Tea and coffee also count toward liquid intake.
- Ginkgo biloba. This plant extract, rich in antioxidants, is said to treat dementia symptoms through its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Melatonin. Melatonin supplements are used to improve sleep, and may, theoretically, prevent the progression of dementia.
- Omega-3 fatty acid.
Nuts, seeds and legumes contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other nutrients such as vitamin E, B vitamins, choline, magnesium and zinc. All of these are shown to promote brain health and reduce age-related cognitive decline.
What are 3 warning signs of dehydration? ›
- feeling thirsty and lightheaded.
- a dry mouth.
- tiredness.
- having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine.
- passing urine less often than usual.
If you can't get a pre-mixed rehydration solution, don't try to make one yourself. Instead, replace lost fluids naturally with sips of water, fruit juice, crushed fruit mixed with water, or salty soups or broths.
Does Gatorade actually hydrate you? ›Gatorade, because of its electrolyte content, helps to restore the lost electrolytes and keep a person hydrated, during intense activity. It can also replace electrolytes, during times of illness, such as stomach viruses. Gatorade was designed to help serious athletes perform better on the field.
Is cranberry juice good for hydration? ›The cells also contain lots of great rehydrating minerals such as potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium, which are important for proper and healthy hydration. So yes, cranberry juice and other fruit juices can be part of staying hydrated.
What is the best way to hydrate if you don't like water? ›Drink other drinks
Juice, smoothies, iced coffee, ice tea, protein shakes, milk, and other drinks can be excellent alternatives to water. You should avoid relying too much on drinks with a high sugar content, such as soda, certain fruit juces, energy drinks and chocolate milk.
Nuts and berries are ideal snacks -- both have been linked to better brain health. Blueberries and strawberries, in particular, help keep your brain working at its best and may slow symptoms linked to Alzheimer's.
What does ice cream do for dementia patients? ›Ice cream brings people with dementia to happier, warmer times when the treat was shared with friends and loved ones at special, joyous occa- sions. Ice cream has the power to immediately elicit soothing feelings at the very first taste of a single spoon-full.
What do people with dementia crave? ›It's not uncommon for a person with dementia to experience an increase in cravings for sugary foods, leading to consumption of excessive quantities of sweets, chocolate and cakes. According to Alzheimer's Association, taste buds can diminish when the disease takes hold.
Which is better Pedialyte or Liquid IV.? ›At this point we've established that Liquid IV holds the edge in terms of ingredients, but this doesn't mean it's flat out the better option. Choosing one over the other comes down to what type of activity you find yourself doing when reaching for a hydration supplement.
What's better than Pedialyte? ›Coconut water is the easiest Pedialyte alternative and a natural way to help your dehydrated child. Full of fluid-balancing potassium and sodium, it's nature's solution for sick tummies. Coconut water is low in sugar and high in electrolytes, which is the perfect recipe for your sick child.
How many Liquid IV's can I drink in a day? ›
How many sticks can you consume in a day? Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier contains 100mg of caffeine per serving, about the same amount in an 8oz cup of drip coffee. We recommend one stick per day for healthy adults, but be sure to listen to your body's needs and response when drinking Liquid I.V.
Is there a downside to IV hydration? ›The minor side effects of receiving an IV can include pain, swelling and scarring at the IV site, but a person can also develop an infection.
Which is better IV hydration or DripDrop? ›Liquid I.V. doesn't contain other electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, or chloride, which your body needs for proper hydration. On the other hand, DripDrop supplies vitamins and minerals like zinc, potassium, and magnesium. These are essential to support your overall health and address dehydration.
What is the best rehydration IV fluid? ›Ringer's lactate IV fluid is preferred. If not available, use normal saline or dextrose solution. It is important to measure the amount of IV fluids delivered and measure the fluid lost as diarrhea and vomitus.
What is the drink for dementia patients? ›What is Souvenaid? Souvenaid is a nutritional supplement¹ containing nutrients important for the formation of synapses in the brain (the connections between brain cells that are vital for learning and memory). The company that makes Souvenaid recommend that Souvenaid is taken as a once-daily 125ml drink.
How do you get someone with dementia to eat and drink? ›- Knowing the person will help, as everyone has their own needs, routines, likes and dislikes.
- Make food look and smell appealing. ...
- Try not to overload the plate with too much food – small and regular portions often work best. ...
- Give the person food they like.
One of the most common causes of death for people with dementia is pneumonia caused by an infection. A person in the later stages of dementia may have symptoms that suggest that they are close to death, but can sometimes live with these symptoms for many months.