Dementia is a global issue affecting many people throughout the world. Many people believe that this cognitive disease only affects memory; it is much more complicated than that. It changes the way they behave, the way they think as well as making common activities difficult. One such issue arises during summer. Experts have warned people who care for dementia patients, whether it is a family member or someone to whom you are close with. Heatwave can bring about a unique problem for people who have dementia: dehydration. Experts warn that people experiencing declining brain function may not realize they're getting too warm, putting them at higher risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Why Heat is a Bigger Risk for Dementia Patients The Alzheimer’s Society explains that someone living with dementia might not know they're overheating or feel thirsty in the same way others do. They might continue to wear heavy clothes, refuse to drink water, or stay in direct sunlight without understanding the danger. This increased risk is due to their cognitive decline, which affects how they perceive warmth and thirst. It's crucial for caregivers to understand these challenges to protect their loved ones during hot weather. Recognizing Subtle Signs of Overheating Dementia, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease, affects many people. While there isn't a cure, treatments can help with the symptoms. However, many of these symptoms can make hot weather very uncomfortable for someone with dementia. A person with dementia might not be able to say they're hot, but their body will often give clues. Watch for signs like red skin, restlessness, sleepiness, not wanting to eat, or clammy (sweaty) skin. These all mean they might be getting too hot. It's important to pay attention to these signals. Sometimes, people with dementia might push away help because they're confused or scared. When you offer help, use a calm and gentle voice. You could suggest, "Let's have something cool to drink," or "It's time to relax in a cool room for a bit." For quick comfort, put cold, damp washcloths or cooling towels on their neck or wrists. These simple actions can be very soothing and really help, even if they can't ask for it themselves. Common Dementia Symptoms to Watch For Dementia encompasses various forms like Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. While symptoms can differ, early signs often include: difficulty following conversations or finding the right wordsconfusion about time and placemood changestrouble concentratingmemory lossdifficulty with familiar daily tasks (like managing money).If you suspect you or a loved one might have dementia symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor. More information is available on the NHS website. Tips To Make Hydration Easier Keep Drinks Easily Accessible Place cups or pitchers of water where they are easy to see and reach. This is particularly important for those who have trouble moving around and can't easily get up to make a drink for themselves. Ensuring drinks are within their immediate grasp encourages more frequent sips throughout the day. Make Drinking Appealing and Simple Choose clear cups so the liquid inside is visible, or use brightly colored mugs to draw attention to them. Make sure the cup is placed directly in their line of sight. Opt for cups that are easy to hold – not too heavy or oddly shaped – and consider providing straws to make drinking even easier and more comfortable. Drink Together and During Meals Sharing a drink can encourage your loved one to hydrate. Sit down with them for a cup of tea or a soft drink. Also, make a point of ensuring they are drinking fluids regularly during mealtimes, as this is a natural time to consume liquids alongside food. This routine can help boost their daily fluid intake. Use Reminders and Prompts Help your loved one remember to drink regularly by placing notes or signs around the house. You can also set up phone reminders or use an alarm clock to prompt them to drink throughout the day. These gentle nudges can be very effective in establishing a consistent hydration routine. Offer Foods Rich in Water Supplement water and other beverages with foods that naturally contain a lot of fluid. Good options include ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, and soup. Fruits like melon are excellent choices due to their high water content. Special "water sweets" or gel drops can also be a fun and effective way to help someone stay hydrated.