Coping with the Heat and Alzheimer's Disease

From Christine Kennard, former About.com Guide

Updated: July 3, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Caregiver 10 Top Tips Coping in the Heat of Summer

1. Drink, encourage more fluids.

2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and high sugar drinks as they can make you more healthy

3. Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.

4. A fan or better still, air conditioning will help keep room temperature comfortable.

5. If you are caregiver for someone being cared for in bed it is important to keep bedding light and clean. A bed frame can help by allowing air to circulate under the bedding. Feel the person's arms, legs and feet to make sure the person is warm enough. Bed ridden people do not generally move about enough to generate excessive heat and older people are not as efficient at body temperature control.

6. Wear lightweight clothes again regularly feeling the persons skin for temperature comfort.

7. Limit exercise to cooler times of the day.

8. Use high factor sunscreen on any exposed skin. Encourage the use of a hat.

9. Rest in shady areas.

10. Try to keep to your usual routine but change activities to cope with weather conditions. People with Alzheimer's often respond well to an ordered stimulating routine but they may need a nap or quiet time to deal with the heat.

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