Alzheimer’s and extreme heat: exercise caution
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 Meg Donahue, director of Community Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people living with Alzheimer’s were 6% more likely to die on an extremely hot day, with an added 6% increased risk for individuals with previous hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation.
“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,” said Donahue. “It’s important to take extra precautions with these individuals during periods of extreme heat or other severe weather conditions.”
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