By Dr Nikki-Ann Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cognitive Health, NeURA
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast for our upcoming 2024-25 summer predicts above average rainfall across much of southern and eastern Australia, warmer than average days and nights across most of the country, and unusually high minimum temperatures across northern and eastern Australia.
This means we need to be ready for heat – and humidity.
While many will be thinking, “Great! Beach weather!” we need to recognise the dangers to health that heat and humidity can bring, especially with prolonged stretches of hot weather or heatwaves. Predicted wet weather will increase levels of humidity and high humidity makes it harder for your body to cool down because sweat struggles to evaporate.
Heatwaves are a silent killer. KPMG estimates around 3,000 Australians die because of heatwaves each year, and the very old and very young are at most risk.
Adapting our behaviour to changes in temperature takes a significant amount of thought and decision making. For example, we need to identify suitable clothing, increase our fluid intake, and understand how to best keep the house cool.
A person with cognitive impairment may find some or all these things challenging. But as the temperature rises, friends, relatives and neighbours can help.
How does heat affect people with cognitive impairment or dementia?
Dementia can affect the parts of the brain that help regulate our body temperature. Some medications can also increase heat sensitivity. Problems with memory and thinking associated with dementia means remembering to drink or communicating that you are thirsty can be challenging. For someone with dementia, extreme heat can lead to a significant deterioration in their overall health and they may not recover.
Heat can affect everyone’s mood. But if someone with dementia becomes dehydrated this can increase confusion, potentially making it harder to take the right steps to remain cool. If a person becomes more confused due to dehydration, they may take inappropriate actions like leaving the house in the heat of the day and become disoriented or fall asleep sitting in the sun.
Four ways to support someone with dementia
Avoid dehydration and heatstroke
Avoid dehydration by encouraging them to drink throughout the day. It’s better to have small amounts of liquid regularly instead of a large amount all at once. Little and often will help maximise hydration while avoiding the need for sudden trips to the toilet!
Placing drinks in sight and within easy reach can help as a reminder to drink. Offer ice blocks and choose foods with a high liquid content, such as fruit, salads, cool broths and yoghurt.
Look out for signs of heatstroke, such as increased confusion, beyond what the person would usually experience. Heatstroke may be more difficult to spot in someone living with dementia, so it is important to check in when possible and help them cool down if needed.
Cool the home
Where possible, modify their home to make it easier to stay cool. Some air-conditioners have complex settings so make sure the temperature is set appropriately and the person with dementia knows how to use the controls.
Not everyone has access to air-conditioning so strategies which reduce radiant heat entering the home can also help, such as keeping blinds and curtains shut. However, ensure the lighting is adequate to avoid falls.
Make sure suitable clothing choices are available, with cool, lightweight, and natural fabric options easily accessible.
Think about communications early
Heatwaves create a surge of usage on the power grid and blackouts occur. If someone with dementia lives alone, consider how you will maintain contact in an emergency. Some people may not realise many landlines don’t work in a power outage, and of course, mobile phones can’t be recharged. Ensure the person with dementia has access to an uninterruptable power supply. This can help maintain communication for a few hours in a blackout.
Have an emergency and evacuation plan
During Australian summers, weather can be severe with storms, fire or flood. It is important to know your risks and have an emergency plan in place, including what to do it you need to evacuate. If the person with dementia attends out-of-home activities, know their emergency plans too.
Emergencies situations can be particularly overwhelming for people with cognitive issues. Understand that someone with dementia may become distressed when their routine is disrupted. So be prepared. Create a “Go Bag” with some simple activities or comfort items like music and headphones, current medications, and any specific medical information.
We can all help
It’s not just carers of people with dementia who can help. We can all ensure older people and people living with dementia stay safe and cool this summer. So remember to check in on your relatives, friends and neighbours or arrange for someone to do so on your behalf.
This article was based on an article initially published in The Conversation.
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