Coloradans are accustomed to winter conditions, but most are unaware of the risk of cold temperatures on Alzheimer’s patients. Each year, seniors with the disease are affected by cold temperatures. Some develop cold related illnesses; some get frostbite, and in extreme conditions, some seniors die. By understanding more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, people can better help their elderly loved ones to prevent common accidents.
Alzheimer’s disease generally attacks the elderly. Yet, it has also been known to strike adults in their mid to late twenties. Alzheimer’s sufferers can go through troubles in learning and may find logical thinking extremely difficult. Patients often have problems with communicating, and future learning.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common diseases of the brain, and it is the most well known type of dementia. It is estimated that nearly 5.5 million Americans (or 1 in 8 seniors) suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. It was named after the German doctor, Alois Alzheimer.
According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2011, there were 78,889 deaths due to this illness.
The Risk of Cold Temperatures on Alzheimer’s Patients
What is the risk of cold temperatures on Alzheimer’s patients? If you are taking care of someone who is suffering from this illness, here are some things you should look out for:
* Poor Judgment – Alzheimer’s patients can forget about the time of day, where they are at, and what they are doing. If it is cold outside, seniors could very well walk outside with a t-shirt, or other unsuitable clothing.
* Medication Complications – The risk of cold temperatures on Alzheimer’s patients who are under prescription medicine can double. There are certain medications that can lower a senior citizen’s temperature. If the senior has Alzheimer’s disease, it could quickly lead to hypothermia without the patient even noticing it.
* Wandering and Hypothermia – Wandering is very common, and the risk of cold temperatures on Alzheimer’s patients can increase. When seniors are exposed to cold weather and not found for more than 24 hours, nearly half die due to hypothermia. For this reason, it is necessary to keep patients under constant observation during cold weather and have proper locks in place so they can’t just wander off.
Some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia include mental confusion, loss of memory, uncontrollable shivering, physical exhaustion, and slurred speech.
The Risk of Cold Temperatures on Alzheimer’s Patients – Conclusion
Every adult should be required to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease if they have elderly people in their home, neighborhood, of if they have a loved one in who is in a senior housing facility. By learning some of the signs and symptoms of the illness, adults may be possible to better monitor seniors’ conditions and keep them from accidentally harming themselves. At Applewood Our House, in Golden, Arvada and Lakewood Colorado, we are Certified Leaders in Dementia Care and are happy to be a resource to you on your journey.
The risk of cold temperatures on Alzheimer’s patient can be greatly reduced by education and planning. We need better focus and care for our elderly population. They have given us so much, and it is time that we give back to them.
