Innovative Jelly Drop sweets to tackle dehydration in dementia
The Azheimer’s Society are supporting the development of a new product that could help prevent dehydration in people living with dementia.
Jelly Drops, bright bite sized sweets, are the brainchild of Lewis Hornby.
Lewis’ grandmother Pat is living with dementia and was sadly hospitalised due to dehydration. Inspired by his grandmother’s love for sweets, Lewis put his innovative skills to the test and developed bright, raindrop shaped sweets known as Jelly Drops. The sweets are made up of 90% water and other electrolytes to make them even more hydrating.
Lewis and the Jelly Drops team have worked closely with Pat and other people with dementia to develop their fantastic product. This week the team were also awarded the people’s choice award at Pitch@Palace.
Bringing Jelly Drops to the market
Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to be supporting Jelly Drops over the next year through our Accelerator programme.
Our panel of experts and people affected by dementia worked with the Society to select Accelerator partners who receive £100,000 to continue to develop their product and bring them to the people who need them faster.
Over the next year Alzheimer’s Society will be working closely with the Jelly Drops team to continue to develop their brilliant product alongside people affected by dementia and bring it to the market.
Dehydration and dementia
Dehydration is a common issue for older people and especially those with dementia.
Often people living with dementia will forget to drink or will not be interested in drinking. Unfortunately this can lead to confusion and even hospitalisation.
This effect is often exaggerated as the symptoms of dehydration can be confused with the symptoms of dementia. This makes it more difficult to spot dehydration in people living with the condition.
Can I purchase Jelly Drops today?
At this stage Jelly Drops are not available to buy as they are still in development.
Alzheimer’s Society will be working with the Jelly Drops team to support them to develop their product and make it available as widely as possible to people affected by dementia.
Article shared from Alzheimer’s Society Blog 14/06/19