Keeping Cool: Summer Dementia Guide

As the summer sun shines bright, it brings along its own set of challenges, especially for those living with dementia. While dementia symptoms may fluctuate throughout the year, some symptoms tend to worsen during the warmer months. Understanding these changes and implementing effective strategies can significantly improve the well-being of those living with dementia.

3 Worsening Symptoms

Agitation and Restlessness: The summer heat can trigger increased agitation and restlessness in individuals with dementia. Higher temperatures and humidity levels can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased confusion, irritability, and anxiety.

Sundowning: Sundowning, a phenomenon where dementia symptoms worsen in the late afternoon and evening, can intensify during the summer months. Extended daylight hours and disruptions to daily routines can contribute to increased confusion, disorientation, and behavioral changes.

Dehydration: Those with dementia may have difficulty recognizing thirst and maintaining proper hydration. During the summer, the risk of dehydration rises due to increased perspiration and higher temperatures. Dehydration can further exacerbate confusion, fatigue, and physical weakness.

Contributing Factors

Temperature Sensitivity: People with dementia may have a diminished ability to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to the heat. Additionally, certain medications commonly used to manage dementia symptoms can interfere with the body’s natural cooling mechanisms.

Routine Disruptions: The summer season often involves vacations, family gatherings, and changes in daily routines. These disruptions can be overwhelming for people with dementia, leading to increased confusion, stress, and anxiety.

Reduced Social Interaction: High temperatures can limit outdoor activities and social engagement, resulting in increased isolation for those with dementia. Social interaction plays a crucial role in cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being, and increased isolation can negatively impact symptoms.

Mitigation Strategies

Maintain a Comfortable Environment: Ensure that their living environment is adequately ventilated and air-conditioned. Use fans, blinds, or curtains to block direct sunlight. Encourage the person with dementia to wear lightweight and breathable clothing.

Hydration: Regularly offer fluids and encourage the person to drink water, even if they say they aren’t thirsty. Keep a water bottle accessible at all times and offer hydrating snacks like fruits or popsicles.

Establish a Consistent Routine: Maintain a predictable daily schedule to provide a sense of structure and familiarity. Minimize disruptions as much as possible, but if changes are necessary, provide reassurance to reduce anxiety.

Adapt Outdoor Activities: Plan outdoor activities during cooler hours of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Choose shaded areas and engage in low-intensity or relaxing activities like gentle walks or gardening.

Provide Cognitive Stimulation: Engage the person with dementia in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or listening to music. These activities can help distract from symptoms and promote cognitive function.

Monitor Medications: Consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that the prescribed medications are suitable for the summer season. Some adjustments may be necessary to alleviate potential side effects related to temperature sensitivity.

While the summer season can pose unique challenges for people with dementia, understanding the symptoms that worsen during this time and implementing appropriate strategies can significantly improve their quality of life. With a thoughtful and proactive approach, caregivers and loved ones can help mitigate the impact of summer-related exacerbation of dementia symptoms.

If you need dementia caregiver support, please join my dementia support group or schedule your 30-minute consultation.