As the temperatures rise across the country, extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety, but it can be especially stressful for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Alzheimer’s causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect patients’ safety, including changes in sensitivity to temperatures.

Today, there are more than 6 million Americans living with the disease, including 19,000 in Delaware. Planning ahead for weather changes, like extreme heat, can prevent injuries and help people with dementia feel less overwhelmed.

“People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can be vulnerable during extreme weather because their judgment may be impaired and they may be unable to communicate discomfort,” said Katie Macklin, senior director of advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Delaware Valley chapter. “It’s really important to take extra precautions with these individuals when there is extreme heat or other excessive weather conditions.”

The association is offering tips for caregivers and families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias to prepare for the hot months:

• Make a plan. Family and friends should regularly check on a person living with dementia during extreme heat. Arrange plans for cooler spaces if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress him or her in loose, light clothing.
• Pay attention at night. Keep such individuals cool by using fans and leaving the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees, with little fluctuation in humidity levels, making for difficult sleeping, heightened anxiety and increased agitation.
• Prepare for behavioral challenges. Research shows that heat can increase agitation and confusion. Try to remove behavioral triggers by addressing physical needs related to the heat, then tending to emotional needs.
• Stay hydrated. Increased water intake is essential to maintaining good hydration and health during extreme heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion to avoid heatstroke. Dehydration may be difficult to notice in a person living with dementia, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be hard to detect. People taking diuretics, sedatives or certain heart medications may not sweat as much as others do, but this does not mean they are not hot.
• Stay indoors and out of the sun. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion may occur in extreme-heat conditions, but symptoms may be difficult to detect in people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Keep individuals cool by using air conditioning at home or moving to a public place, such as a senior center or shopping mall. If you must go outside, be sure to dress them in loose, light clothing, wear a hat and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Stay informed. Keep an eye on weather forecasts. High temperatures are not the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution indices can cause breathing difficulties. The dementia patient should be monitored regularly, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke arise.

The Alzheimer’s Association can help families prepare for and cope with such extraordinary circumstances. For information, visit here or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.