Alzheimer’s Association News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter is advising those caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia to exercise caution in the extreme heat the state is currently experiencing.
As temperatures rise, extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety, but these conditions can be especially stressful and confusing for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
“Alzheimer’s disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect the individual’s safety, including changes in sensitivity to temperatures,” said Ron Eppes, Program Director, Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people living with Alzheimer’s were 6 percent more likely to die on an extremely hot day, with an added 6 percent increased risk for individuals with previous hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation.
There are more than 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 43,000 New Mexicans. Planning ahead for weather changes, including extreme heat, can prevent injuries and help a person feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
“People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias can be more vulnerable than normal during extreme weather because their judgment may be impaired and they may be unable to communicate their discomfort,” Eppes said. “It’s important to take extra precautions with these individuals during periods of extreme heat or other severe weather conditions.”
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; and
- 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.
The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help families prepare for and cope for such extraordinary circumstances. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the Association’s free Helpline, staffed by trained professionals around-the-clock, at 800.272.3900.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a non-profit which leads the way to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Today, an estimated 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, the total number is Projected to increase to nearly 13 million.
It is the only leading cause of death without a prevention or cure
Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll – not just on those with the disease, but on entire families. In NM alone, 43,000 people over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, that number is expected to rise to 53,000. The state has 85,000 unpaid dementia caregivers, many of whom are family members, contributing 158 million hours of care valued at $2.6 billion.
*Source for all statistics: The 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org/newmexico or call 800.272.3900.
