How to support a person living with dementia in hot weather

During periods of hot weather, older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia are at increased risk of illness. If you care for an individual who is living with dementia, you may be wondering how best to support them during a heat wave.

What are the risks of hot weather to older people?

Individuals over 65 are more susceptible to heat stress (hyperthermia) for a number of reasons, the main being that they do not adjust as easily to sudden changes in temperature. This can be compounded by medical conditions or certain medications, too.