AS temperatures are set to rise in the East of England for the rest of the week, leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society has warned that people living with dementia are more vulnerable to hot weather.
The warning comes during the charity’s Forget Me Not Appeal, which is urging people to stand with the nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK to make sure no one faces the condition alone or goes without the care and support they need.
Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated.
“People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. As temperatures rise this week, we’re urging families, friends and carers to check in and make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying out of direct sunlight.”
The charity also shared the following advice on how best to support people living with dementia during hot weather:
Why are people with dementia more vulnerable to the heat?
People living with dementia face several challenges during hot weather:
Reduced heat awareness – Dementia symptoms can mean that people don’t recognise signs that they’re too hot or realise they need to take cooling measures like seeking shade or removing clothing.
Hydration issues – People with dementia may not always recognise that they are thirsty, and may forget or be unable to drink water regularly. This can lead to dehydration, causing headaches, increased confusion, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Clothing and environment – People living with dementia may not dress appropriately for hot weather, forget how hot it is outside, or forget to use sunscreen or wear a hat.
Medication interactions – Some medications and dementia-related illnesses can make dehydration worse. Always check the medicine leaflet and speak to the GP if you’re concerned.
Top tips to keep people with dementia safe in the hot weather
Dress appropriately – Ensure the person living with dementia is wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres help prevent overheating. A hat or cap for outside is essential.
Keep homes cool – Close the curtains and blinds during the day, especially in sunny, south-facing rooms. Open windows in the evening to let warm air out and cooler air in.
Avoid the midday sun – Make sure they stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). When outdoors, seek shade, wear a hat and apply high-factor sunscreen regularly.
Find ways to cool off – Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan for DIY air-conditioning, or place a washcloth and iced water nearby.
Combat dehydration – Leave glasses or jugs of water within easy reach, share a drink with the person, leave reminders to drink, and provide high water content foods such as ice lollies, milk jellies, melon and yogurt. ‘Water sweets’, such as Jelly Drops, can also help the person stay hydrated.
Ask others to help – If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone, ask a friend or neighbour to check in.
Lewis Hornby, founder of Jelly Drops, said his own experience highlighted how easily dehydration can be missed: “In our family, we didn’t realise there was a problem until it became an emergency. My grandma hadn’t been drinking enough, but none of us noticed until she became seriously unwell. It showed us how easily dehydration can be missed in dementia, especially in hot weather.”
Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal runs throughout June. By donating, you are helping fund life-changing support and ground-breaking dementia research. Donate to receive your Forget Me Not alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenotappeal
If you’re worried about dementia, Alzheimer’s Society is here to help. Call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
