Summer is a lovely season with bright days and chances for outdoor recreation. However, as heat waves have become common due to climate change, there is also a higher chance of heat-related issues such as dehydration and overheating, particularly for those who have dementia.
Adapting our behavior to temperature fluctuations requires a great deal of consideration and decision-making. For instance, we must find appropriate clothing, drink more water, and know how to keep the house cool. Some or all of these tasks may be challenging for a person with dementia. Extreme heat can be detrimental for a person with dementia due to these and other factors.
However, family members, friends, and caregivers can assist as the temperature rises.
Why are people with dementia more at risk during the heat wave?
Dementia patients are particularly susceptible to the summer heat. According to studies, people with Alzheimer’s disease or another neurological disorder that impairs cognitive function are more likely to die or be hospitalized when temperatures rise [1, 2].
Dementia can impair the areas of the brain responsible for regulating our body temperature. Additionally, some drugs can increase a person’s sensitivity to heat. Dementia-related memory and cognitive issues make it difficult to remember to drink or to express when you’re thirsty.
Since high temperatures cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are medical emergencies, overheating is a significant concern during the summer. The hazards are higher for those with dementia because they might not be able to express or recognize when they need to cool down or drink fluids.
Dehydration is yet another grave problem that can be especially harmful for individuals with dementia. In hot weather, the body loses more water through sweating, which can lead to serious health issues if not replenished. Dehydration can exacerbate confusion and agitation in dementia patients, making it more difficult for them to know how to cool down. Furthermore, it can worsen cognitive symptoms, increase the risk of urinary tract infections, and cause dizziness or falls.
Dementia patients are also susceptible to wandering and getting lost, which can be problematic in hot weather.
Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia in Hot Weather
Caregivers must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of individuals with dementia during hot weather since they may find it difficult to express their needs or discomfort. Knowing how to avoid hyperthermia and dehydration in dementia patients can significantly improve their health and well-being.
Here are some tips to help you care for your loved one with dementia during hot weather.
-
Help the Person Stay Hydrated
Encourage the person with dementia to drink throughout the day to help prevent dehydration. Regularly consuming small amounts of fluids is preferable to consuming a large amount at once. Drinking small amounts of water frequently helps stay hydrated while minimizing sudden trips to the toilet.
Keeping drinks in sight can serve as a reminder to drink. Put notices throughout the house or leave notes for the person with dementia to help them remember to drink regularly. You might also set an alarm clock or a phone reminder.
Provide foods that are high in liquid content, such as fruit, salads, and yogurt. Include fluid-rich foods as a supplement to water and other beverages. Ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, soup, and fruit like melon are a few healthy choices.
-
Look Out for Warning Signs of Heat-related Disorders
Dementia can reduce a person’s skin sensitivity and impair their ability to sense temperature changes. Consequently, they are more susceptible to heat stroke, a critical increase in body temperature caused by exposure to extreme heat or the troubling combination of heat and humidity.
Look out for warning signs such as excessive sweating, fatigue, flushed skin, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, increased confusion, or sudden changes in mental state.
Drinking water, removing clothing, using cold compresses, and resting in an air-conditioned space all help to cool the body. Immediately contact 911 if the person faints or exhibits severe confusion.
-
Take Measures to Prevent Wandering
Wandering is one of the common behavior issues among people with dementia. They could easily get lost and confused and be unable to call for assistance, which makes it potentially dangerous. That risk increases under severe hot weather conditions, where hyperthermia can develop quickly.
Promote the potential positive effects of walking outdoors in a safe, indoor setting. Consider making visual cue-filled walking routes throughout the house, assigning the person easy tasks, and offering engaging and entertaining activities (such as crafts, music, and exercise).
Wandering may also be a reaction to excessive stimuli, such as the urge to avoid people and loud noises. Additionally, it may be a sign of an unfulfilled need, such as hunger, thirst, or urge to use the bathroom. Meeting basic needs can help minimize the risk of wandering.
-
Keep the House Cool
Make modifications to the home to make it easier to stay cool. Certain air conditioners have complicated settings, so ensure that the temperature is adjusted correctly and the person with dementia understands how to operate the controls.
Another way to keep things cool throughout the day is to keep the blinds or curtains shut, especially in rooms that face the sunlight. Thermal and blackout curtains can also be helpful. However, ensure adequate lighting to prevent falls.
-
Ensure the Person is Dressed Appropriately
A person with dementia may dress themselves according to their regular schedule and neglect to wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Instead of wearing cool, loose-fitting clothes, they may wear jackets or coats.
Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of natural fibers can help people stay comfortable and avoid overheating. It’s also a good idea to wear a cap or hat outside.
To help them know what to wear, put out a fresh set of cool clothes every morning.
-
Find Ways to Cool Off
If the person with dementia is overheated and agitated, assist them in taking a cool shower or bath. Additionally, you might put some chilled water and a washcloth close by so they may dab themselves if necessary.
-
Know Where to Cool Down
Individuals without air conditioning in their homes can visit designated “cooling centers” designated by various municipalities. These include community centers, senior centers, libraries, and other public buildings. Find the closest cooling center and take the person with dementia there if they don’t have air conditioning.
-
Be Proactive
Ensure that the person has access to air conditioning or other cooling systems and is drinking enough water. During heat waves, blackouts and power outages can occur. Ensure that your cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are fully charged, and keep flashlights at hand. Keep emergency contact numbers for police, fire agencies, and local utility providers readily accessible.
Make arrangements for someone who lives nearby to see your loved one if you don’t. Inform them where to find the person’s insurance card, other vital medical information, and emergency contacts.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
References
- Delaney, S.W., Stegmuller, A., Mork, D., Mock, L., Bell, M.L., Gill, T.M., Braun, D. and Zanobetti, A., 2025. Extreme heat and hospitalization among older persons with Alzheimer disease and related dementias. JAMA Internal Medicine.
- Zhang, R., Sun, L., Jia, A., Wang, S., Guo, Q., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Wu, S., Zheng, H., Su, X. and Bi, P., 2024. Effect of heatwaves on mortality of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among elderly aged 60 years and above in China, 2013–2020: a population-based study. The Lancet Regional Health–Western Pacific, 52.
- 5 Heat Safety Tips for Families Caring for Someone Living With Dementia. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. https://alzfdn.org/5-heat-safety-tips-for-families-caring-for-someone-living-with-dementia/. Published online: 18th June, 2024. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
- Wilson, N.A. 4 ways to support someone with dementia during extreme heat. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/4-ways-to-support-someone-with-dementia-during-extreme-heat-213987. Published online: 28th September, 2023. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
- Hot Weather: Tips for Helping People Living with Dementia to Keep Cool and Avoid Dehydration. B&M Care. https://www.bmcare.co.uk/resources/blog/tips-for-helping-dementia-patients-during-hot-weather/. Published online: 25th June, 2024. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
- How to support somebody living with dementia in hot weather. Alzheimer’s Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-hot-weather. Published online: 30th April, 2025. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
- Keeping a person with dementia safe during hot weather. Dementia UK. https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/keeping-a-person-with-dementia-safe-during-hot-weather/. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
- Climate Change and Brain Health: How Rising Temperatures Impact the Brain. Alzheimer’s Research Association. https://www.alzra.org/blog/climate-change-and-brain-health/. Published online: 28th May, 2025. Accessed: 18th June, 2025.
