TOLEDO, Ohio — There are more than 236,000 people in Ohio age 65 and over who live with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio.
As the summer heat intensifies, caregivers play a crucial role in safeguarding those with Alzheimer's disease. Your vigilance and care are paramount in these conditions.
Symptoms like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache are signs of overexposure to the heat.
Pam Myers, the senior director of programs, explains what the heat can do to someone with dementia while in the heat.
"We know that 6 out of 10 people living with dementia wander off sometimes," Myers said. "That's really important that in these times with really extreme weather to really keep an eye on your person and monitor them."
It's important to remember that individuals with Alzheimer's may not be able to communicate their discomfort. This vulnerability increases their risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, highlighting the need for their caregivers' constant attention.
The Alzheimer's Association of Northwest Ohio assures that proactive planning can significantly mitigate the risk of health complications. Your preparedness can make a real difference.
"Many of our folks with dementia like to walk, they like to be up and about," Myers said. "Make sure that you're monitoring that, make sure, if you can, in a cool place. If they're used to walking outside, maybe take them to the mall and let them walk there."
You can read more about the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at this link.