Alzheimer’s News July 2022

With summer hitting its peak, make sure you keep your loved ones with dementia safe from extreme heat! Some tips include:
• Plan ahead- Family and friends should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check-in on a person living with dementia during extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces, if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose, light clothing.
• 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 dementia, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect.
• Pay attention at night- Keep people living with dementia cool by using fans and keeping the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees with little fluctuation in humidity levels making for difficult and exacerbating sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation.
• Reduce the risk of wandering- Wandering during extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Provide opportunities for the person to engage in structured, meaningful activities throughout the day. Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented. And make a plan in the event wandering does occur.
You can learn more by going to www.alz.org/help-support/resources or the Alzheimer’s Helpline which is accessible 24/7 via 800-272-3900 and staffed by master’s level clinicians to assist with crisis situations, decision making, and disease information. You can find virtual dementia caregiver resources online at alz.org/covid19help. Tools and support are also available in Spanish.
Want to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and what they do here in St. Louis? Visit alz.org and/or contact PUCC’s Faith Outreach Ambassador with the Alzheimer’s Association, Joyce Ruiz at joyceruiz7@gmail.com

Post Date: July 7, 2022