News Release Alzheimer's Association
Today, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 35,000 in Nebraska. Extreme heat precautions are important for everyone, but the need for a comprehensive safety plan is particularly important for people living with dementia. Taking measures to plan ahead for weather changes, like extreme heat, can prevent injuries and help a person with the disease feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
The extreme heat can be as dangerous as a wintertime blizzard for people with memory issues.
The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter offers tips for families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias to prepare for extreme heat conditions:
● Plan ahead. Family and friends should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check-in on a person living with dementia during extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces, if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose, light clothing.
● 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 dementia, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect.
● Pay attention at night. Keep people living with dementia 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.
● Stay informed. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. High temperatures are not the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution indices can cause breathing difficulties. The person should be monitored regularly and seek medical attention if symptoms of dehydration or heat exhaustion last for more than one hour.