Changing Seasons: Can Weather Affect Dementia
As the weather changes and we move towards summer, you may find the rhythms of your daily living routines changing. Here are a few tips for family caregivers who are providing dementia care, as you and your family adjust to the new season.
Can Weather Affect Dementia Symptoms?
Yes, weather can affect dementia symptoms due to changes in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Hot or colder weather may lead to confusion, disorientation, agitation or distress in individuals with dementia. Similarly, wet and damp weather may cause joint pain and discomfort that can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. It's important for individuals with dementia to dress appropriately for the weather and ensure they stay hydrated during hot days.
What Should Family Members Watch For as the Weather Changes
Wandering: Warmer weather makes it easier to get outside and can lead to an increase in wandering among those with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementia
The sun is shining and it looks lovely outside. But there is still a cool sting in the air and the breeze is cutting. You may be looking out the window and longing to head outside. Your loved one with dementia is probably doing the same.
Wandering is a common behavior for people living with dementia. The textbook definition is defined as walking about without apparent purpose and often occurs during periods of memory loss, confusion, or increased anxiety.
For many with dementia, the hot weather can lead to an increase in wandering behaviors; take our friend, John.
John was always an active man. He loved going for walks and getting some Vitamin D in the springtime when the weather was nice and the flowers were blooming. But now that he has Alzheimer's disease, it is harder for him to stay on track. One day, John told his wife that he wanted to start going on more walks outside. His wife knew that it was important for John to stay active, so she agreed.
The first few days went well - John would walk around the block with his wife each morning and enjoy the sunlight. But then, John decided he wanted to go for a walk by himself. He headed out the door without warning and started on his normal route. John's dementia makes it harder for him to remember things, and on this walk, he forgot his coat and hat. Within just a few minutes he was shivering in the cool breeze.
John became agitated because he was cold which lead to him losing focus and ultimately losing his way. The neighborhood, which was familiar to him, all of a sudden seemed uninviting and even ominous due to his memory loss.
A neighbor noticed John outside and approached him to check in. Luckily she knew that John had dementia and right away she noticed that John's cognitive ability was affected. She had experience in personal care services and knew to approach him slowly and to be considerate of his emotional well-being. John allowed the neighbor to walk him home where his wife was able to calm him down and get him settled.
This story highlights a few important points that families should keep in mind as the weather changes:
Make sure your loved one has dressed appropriately for the warm or cold weather conditions, even if they say they're hot or cold. Body temperature changes are common among those living with dementia.
Keep a sweater and shoes (maybe some non skid boots) near the door - so that if you need to pop out quickly, you are prepared.
Keep the outside of your home brightly lit so that if you loved does wander, they are more likely to recognize your house.
If possible, try to stick to familiar routes and locations on your walks. It increases the likelihood that your loved one will build memories of the way home in the event they do become disoriented.
Be aware of the time of day - body temperature dips at night, which can lead to increased confusion and agitation.
Let your neighbors know that your loved one has Alzheimer's disease or another related dementia in case they see them wandering. Give them specific tips on how to approach your loved one.
If your loved one does wander off, try to stay calm. But don't hesitate to ask for help. If you are unable to find your loved one, contact the police.
Difficulty Sleeping: Changes in the evening light can make sleeping more difficult which can negatively impact dementia symptoms.
Sleep is so important for individuals with dementia. A good night's sleep can help improve mood, increase energy levels and support overall health.
There are a few things you can do to help your loved one get a good night's sleep:
Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. A soothing bath or shower, followed by relaxation techniques such as listening to calm music can help prepare the body for sleep.
Dim lights in the early evening about an hour before bedtime. Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and cool – a comfortable environment will promote better sleep.
Ease into and out of day light savings time. It takes time for our internal body clock to adjust.
Exercise or physical activity during the day to help improve sleep at night. Even a short walk around the block in the afternoon sunlight can make a difference to the nighttime routine.
Be aware of the changing light. As the days grow longer, this can impact an individual's sleep patterns. Consider closing the curtains or blinds to block out natural light in the evening.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep patterns and your internal body clock.
Waking up in the middle of the night is common for people with dementia. If this happens, try to encourage your loved one to go back to sleep by using calming words and reassurance. It's important not to argue or become frustrated, as this can escalate the situation.
Pay attention to your own sleeping patterns as well. When family caregivers are not getting enough sleep it can have a negative impact on their ability to provide quality care. Hiring qualified respite care services can be a great benefit for you as a dementia caregiver.
Pay attention to your own sleeping patterns as well. When family caregivers are not getting enough sleep it can have a negative impact on their ability to provide quality care. Hiring qualified respite care services can be a great benefit for you as a dementia caregiver.
Joint Pain: In cold weather or wet weather, those with arthritis can experience more pain.
Joint pain can be caused or worsened by changes in weather conditions, such as colder weather and extreme temperatures or dampness. Colder weather can cause the muscles and tendons to become stiff, leading to joint pain. Additionally, damp or hot weather can irritate the joints and make them more vulnerable to injury.
The effects of joint pain due to extreme weather conditions can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits mobility and affects physical activity. This can be especially challenging in the winter months.
Individuals with dementia may experience intensified feelings of discomfort due to their cognitive impairment.
Traveling With Your Loved One with Dementia
As the season changes, many families are planning trips for spring break or getting ready for the summer holidays. If you are traveling with a family member who has dementia, there may be additional considerations. Changes in routine can be disruptive and confusing for someone with dementia. Here are a few tips to help make travel easier:
Plan ahead and make sure to pack all of the essentials including any medications. Medication management is critical for the health care of your loved one. Ensure that any medical appointments that are due occur before your travel.
Alert family and friends of your plans in advance, so they can be available to provide support services if needed.
If possible, travel with another family member or friend to help with caregiving responsibilities.
Make a list of important phone numbers, including your doctor's number, in case you need to get in touch with them while you're away.
Pack light and only bring items that are truly necessary. This will make it easier to keep track of everything and will reduce caregiver stress.
At the same time, consider what specific items you may need for personal care for your loved one. Supplies may not always be available when you are on the road.
Be prepared for changes in behavior. Dementia can cause mood swings and changes in behavior, so it's important to be prepared for anything. If possible, bring along a blanket or something from home to help your loved one feel more comfortable.
Make sure to take plenty of breaks throughout the day, especially if you are doing a lot of driving. This will help to prevent fatigue which can increase the symptoms of memory loss. In addition, it will give you a chance to check in on your loved one.
Plan for meals and snacks ahead of time, so you can make sure to have healthy, nutritious food available. Meal preparation may become more challenging and having the supplies you need along, will make things easier.
Bring along activities that your loved one enjoys, such as books, music, or puzzles. Puzzles and books can also be used as memory exercises for your loved one.
Be patient. Dementia can cause changes in behavior, so it's important to be patient with your loved one. If they become agitated or confused, try to remain calm and provide reassurance.
Travelling with your loved one with dementia may be challenging - but it is, oh so rewarding.
Cold Weather Affects Core Body Temperature in People with Dementia
Just as colder weather has an impact on our health, so does excess heat. Be sure you are managing the thermostat and your body temperature as the weather conditions change.
If your loved one is bed-bound, make sure their room is a comfortable temperature and that they have access to cool drinks in the summer and warm tea in cold weather.
Dress appropriately for the weather. In colder temperatures, make sure your loved one has a sweater or jacket ready should they want to go outside. In warmer temperatures, it is often best to dress in layers.
Check for dehydration by looking at the color of their urine – it should be light yellow. Other signs of dehydration are a dry mouth, sunken eyes, and few or no tears. If you think they may be dehydrated, encourage them to drink small sips of water regularly throughout the day. sugary drinks can actually make dehydration worse, so it's best to avoid them.
Is Your Loved One at Risk of Dehydration?
Get tips on how to keep your loved ones with Alzheimer's or a related Dementia hydrated, including:
Importance of fruit and vegetables in your diet
Why you should use pretty and remembered glasses
The signs of severe dehydration
Some easy-to-make recipes
Get our free resource here
Springtime Activities for People with Dementia
For those of us that live in a winter climate, the opportunity to spend more time outside is one of the greatest joys of spring. We get more Vitamin D from the sunlight, which is essential for our mood and overall health. We also have more energy when we're able to get out and about after being cooped up indoors all winter.
The same is true for an elderly person who may be dealing with dementia. Being able to spend time outside in the fresh air can do wonders for their mood, energy, and overall health, especially after the long winter months. Here are a few springtime activities that you can do with your loved ones to help them enjoy the season.
Gardening
One great way to help people with dementia enjoy spring is by gardening. Gardening can provide a number of benefits for those with dementia, including exercise, fresh air, and stimulation for the brain. It can also be a social activity, as many people enjoy gardening with others.
If your loved one is unable to garden on their own, you can help them by doing things like planting the seeds, watering the plants, or helping them to harvest the fruits and vegetables. You can also encourage them to spend time outside in the yard simply by setting up a small patio set or lawn chairs.
Gardening also gives family caregivers the opportunity to incorporate more healthy vegetables and fruits into everyone's diet. When you are able to help with gardening, everyone is more likely to eat the foods that are grown.
If it is too early for a full garden, a small indoor herb garden can also provide many of the same benefits.
Walking
Walking and other recreational activities provide many benefits to people with dementia. Walking is a great form of exercise, and it can also help to clear the mind and improve mood. It's also an activity that can be done with others, which can help to reduce social isolation. There is a strong link between diminished physical health and cognitive decline.
If your loved one has mobility issues, you can help them by pushing them in a wheelchair or providing them with a walker.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is another fun activity for springtime. It's a pleasant way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, and it can also be very calming and relaxing.
If your loved one is unable to walk on their own, you can help them by setting up a bird feeder near their window. You can also take them for walks in the park or around the neighborhood to look for birds.
I know here in the lower mainland, we enjoy watching the hummingbirds at the feeder outside our window, and seeing the chickadees flit around in the yard is easy entertainment.
Spring Cleaning - Remain Clutter-Free as the Dementia Progresses
As dementia progresses, being surrounded by familiar things becomes more and more important to people with dementia. It is therefore crucial that you keep their living space as familiar as possible.
Decluttering before your loved one's dementia progresses too far can be helpful as it simplifies the living space. It reduces change later on which helps reduce their anxiety, and can also make it easier for you to keep an eye on them and ensure their safety at home.
Safety First - Make Your Home Dementia Friendly
Decluttering your living space, you should also make sure to keep any areas that they frequently use (such as the kitchen or bathroom) as tidy as possible. This will help reduce their stress and make it easier for them to find things.
Weather Can Affect Dementia Symptoms - Final Notes
Dementia is a serious diagnosis that can change the life of not only the person living with the disease, but also their caregivers. As we age, our brains change and we may experience more problems with memory and thinking.
Seasonal changes can be difficult for people living with dementia, but there are ways to ease the transitions. Our free resource provides tips and strategies ensuring your loved one stays hydrated in the warm weather. Download it today and get started on maintaining your brain health during the changing seasons.
What Can Choice Dementia Services Offer?
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We know that caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, so we have a team of compassionate and experienced caregivers to help ease the challenges that you face.
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When it comes time to choose a care at home provider, make sure you consider all options before making a decision about who will provide care for your loved ones.
With Choice Dementia Services, you have access to round-the-clock assistance without having to move them into an unfamiliar environment away from friends and family members who love them dearly. Let us take some of the stress off your shoulders by providing high-quality memory care right in their own home!
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