Promoting hydration in patients with dementia in healthcare settings.

This is the second article in a series of five on dementia. It aims to enhance nurses' understanding of dehydration in patients with dementia. Research shows that dehydration is present in up to one quarter of older patients and patients with dementia are likely to have an even higher risk. Dehydration may be harder to recognise in these patients and strategies to identify and prevent dehydration are outlined.