Five hot weather tips to support people with dementia across East Midlands

With a heat health warning at yellow as temperatures rise, Alzheimer’s Society is providing advice to help more than 74,000 people across East Midlands with dementia to stay safe and hydrated during the hot spell.

Dehydration is a common challenge for people living with dementia and memory problems mean they can easily forget to drink enough water. During the hot weather, the charity suggests families and carers can help by:

1. Leaving glasses or jugs of water within easy reach - sharing a drink with the person, leaving reminders to drink and providing high water content foods
2. Making sure the person is dressed appropriately – Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres can help keep people comfortable and prevent overheating. A hat or cap for outside is also a good idea.
3. Keeping the house as cool as possible - Keeping the curtains or blinds closed during the day – especially in sunny, south-facing rooms – can help to keep things cool. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in.
4. Avoiding the midday sun – We’re advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm. If you’re out and about, seek out plenty of shade. Wear a hat and keep a bottle of high factor sunscreen on you, and make sure it’s reapplied regularly.
5. Asking friends and neighbours to pop in and check the person is OK - If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone – ask a friend or neighbour to pop in and make sure they are OK.

One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, and many people are currently living with the condition undiagnosed, not receiving the support they need and deserve.
 
To help Alzheimer’s Society’s provide help and hope to everyone affected by dementia and to help fund groundbreaking research, people across East Midlands can sign up to take part in any of this Autumn’s 26 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including those at Abbey Park, Leicester, on Sunday 22nd September, Clumber Park, Worksop, on Sunday 29th September and Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday 12 October, register for free at memorywalk.org.uk