The Alzheimer’s Association is offering important safety tips for caregivers and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias to prepare for the hot days ahead: • Make a plan. Family and friends should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check in on a person living with Alzheimer’s during periods of extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose-fitting, light clothing. • Pay attention at night. Keep people living with Alzheimer’s cool by using fans and keep the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees with little fluctuation in humidity levels, making for difficult sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation. • Prepare for behavioral changes. 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, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect. People taking diuretics, sedatives, or certain heart medications may not sweat as much as others, but this does not mean they are not hot. • Stay indoors out of the sun. Heat stroke 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 move to a public place, such as a senior center or shopping mall. If you must go outside, dress appropriately with loose-fitting, light clothing, wear a hat and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. • Stay informed. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. High temperatures are not the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution can cause breathing difficulties. The person should be monitored regularly, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
31 The Acumen
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