CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – As temperatures soar across the U.S., extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone’s safety, but they can be especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease causes several changes in the brain and body that may affect people living with the disease, impact their safety and make them especially vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Extreme weather and temperatures can be of particular concern for dementia caregivers. Of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, 60 percent or more will wander at least once, and many multiple times. Becoming lost in unfavorable weather conditions can be dangerous. Taking measures to plan ahead for weather changes like extreme heat can prevent heat stroke and injuries.
Teresa Morris, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association West Virginia Chapter, offers important tips for families and caregivers during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and throughout the hot summer months:
Schedule regular check-ins. Family and friends should frequently check in on a person living with Alzheimer’s during extreme temperatures. Spend time in cooler indoor spaces whenever possible and dress in loose, light clothing.
Pay attention at night. Keep people living with Alzheimer’s cool by using fans and air conditioning. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees, making for difficult sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation. Sleep interruptions may increase wandering behavior.
Prepare for behavioral challenges. Heat can increase agitation and confusion. It’s common for a person living with dementia to wander or become lost or confused about their location; in fact, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once.
Stay hydrated. Water intake is essential for good hydration and health during warm weather. Dehydration may be difficult to notice in a person living with Alzheimer’s, and signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may not be well communicated.
Watch the weather. High temperatures aren’t the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution can cause breathing difficulties and increased confusion. Anyone with Alzheimer’s or dementia should be monitored regularly and given immediate medical attention if symptoms like dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur.
For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 38,100 in West Virginia, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/wv or call West Virginia Chapter at 304.343.2717 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
