This young scientist has come up with an ingenious way of keeping dementia patients hydrated – despite their disability.

24-year-old Lewis Hornby first became concerned over the issue of hydration when his grandmother with dementia was unexpectedly rushed to the hospital because she was unknowingly suffering from severe dehydration. So as a means of helping his grandma, Hornby got to work developing a solution: Jelly Drops.

Jelly Drops are small hydrating treats that are made to look like candy for dementia patients. The goodies are made up of 90% water, gelling agents, and electrolytes.

Patients suffering from dementia often have an easier time eating than they do drinking. They are also much more likely to eat something if they believe it to be candy.

"The box itself contains many features to help people with dementia interact with it, and crucially it doesn't look like a medical device," says Hornby. "It's friendly aesthetic reduces stigma around the solution, increasing its uptake.

"When first offered, grandma ate 7 Jelly Drops in 10 minutes – the equivalent to a cup full of water, something that would usually take hours and require much more assistance. Eating the whole box would account for around half the necessary daily fluid intake."

Hornby has been recognized by several engineering awards and medical associations for his innovative health solution. Now, Jelly Drops are being tested in UK nursing homes with hopes for expanding distribution in the future.

(WATCH the video of Jelly Drops in action below)

Power Up With Positivity And Share The Good News With Your Friends – Photo by Lewis Hornby