Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to keep safe in extreme heat
BUFFALO, N.Y. - As the WNY region faces extremely hot temperatures over the next several days, the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has important safety tips for caregivers and families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. While extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety, it can be especially stressful and confusing for individuals with dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be vulnerable during extreme weather because their judgment may be impaired and they may be unable to communicate discomfort. Taking measures to plan ahead for weather changes, like extreme heat, can prevent injuries and help a person with dementia feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the following safety tips:
Make a plan. Family and friends should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check-in on a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias during extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces, if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose, light clothing.
Pay attention at night. Keep people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cool by using fans and keeping the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees with little fluctuation in humidity levels, making for difficult and exacerbating sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation.
Prepare for behavioral challenges. Research shows that heat can increase agitation and confusion in people. Try to remove behavioral triggers by addressing the person’s physical needs related to the heat, then tending to their 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 heat stroke. Dehydration may be difficult to notice in a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect. People taking diuretics, sedatives, or certain heart medication may not sweat as much as others, but this does not mean that they are not hot.