Scorching temperatures — think triple digits — are tough for all of us, but heat can be really dangerous for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why knowing what to do — and not to do — can be so important.
Jennifer Reeder, the director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, said people with dementia may wander off, which could be very troublesome if the person is lost and unsure how to take care of themself.
When a person wanders, they may become disoriented or lost. They may not know who to call for help. If out for a long amount of time, that could lead to heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke include fatigue, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea and shifts in mental status. A person may have red skin or hot skin. If someone is having a heat stroke, move them to an air-conditioned room. Apply cold compresses and give the person fluids.
One way to potentially lower the chances for wandering is to make someone feel like they have a purpose in their indoor life. Creating walking paths around the home with visual cues may help. When you can reduce excessive stimuli and make sure basic needs are met, the person may not wander off. This includes making sure that the person is dressed appropriately.
It’s a good idea to be prepared in the case that someone does, indeed, wander off. Have a recent photo and updated medical information handy. If they have wandered before, note which locations they went to.
Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s ability to gauge their thirst, so make sure they are hydrated and keep tabs on how much they drink a day.
Remember that heat waves can lead to other issues that can be complicated for people with dementia. Keep devices charged and keep flashlights handy. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and include local utility providers as well as emergency providers.
