Heat can accelerate deterioration in people with Alzheimer’s if action is not taken in time

High temperatures pose a significant health challenge for the entire population, but their effects can be particularly serious for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss, impaired judgement and difficulty recognising basic sensations such as thirst make these patients particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.

Dr Erika Torres, Head of the Advanced Neurosciences Department at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, warns that “heat not only increases the risk of dehydration, but can also cause a sudden deterioration in a patient’s cognitive and functional condition. In many cases, a person with Alzheimer’s is unaware that they are thirsty, forgets to drink water or does not recognise that the surrounding temperature poses a risk to their health.”

This vulnerability is compounded by the ageing process itself. As we age, the body becomes less able to regulate its temperature and maintain an adequate fluid balance, a situation that can be further exacerbated in people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Deterioration can occur within hours

During periods of intense heat, the body needs to activate mechanisms to dissipate excess heat. When these mechanisms do not function properly or fluid intake is insufficient, the risk of complications increases considerably.

“Dehydration reduces the volume of blood reaching the brain, which can lead to increased disorientation, confusion, drowsiness and even changes in the level of consciousness,” explains the specialist. “Families sometimes interpret these changes as part of the natural progression of the disease, when in fact they may be a direct consequence of the heat and dehydration requiring treatment.”

If action is not taken promptly, the situation can progress to heatstroke, a potentially serious medical emergency that can affect the functioning of the brain, heart and other vital organs.

Behavioural changes in people with Alzheimer’s should never be overlooked

One of the main difficulties is that the early warning signs can be difficult to identify.

“When a patient with Alzheimer’s suddenly becomes more disorientated, significantly more irritable or excessively drowsy, or stops taking part in activities they previously carried out as normal, we should consider whether there may be an underlying medical cause rather than automatically assuming that the disease has progressed,” says Dr Torres.

Other warning signs include severe weakness, dizziness, very hot and dry skin, reduced urine output and a high temperature. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should be taken to an Emergency Department for immediate medical assessment.

Hydration should not depend on the patient feeling thirsty

One of the most common mistakes during the summer is waiting for the person to ask for water.

“With Alzheimer’s disease, the ability to recognise the sensation of thirst gradually diminishes. Hydration therefore needs to be managed by the caregiver rather than left to the patient,” explains Dr Torres.

Dr Torres recommends offering small amounts of water several times throughout the day, even when the person says they are not thirsty. Fluid intake can also be supplemented with seasonal fruit, gazpacho, chilled soups and other foods with a high water content.

Establishing regular times for drinking, using cups or containers that are easy to handle and providing frequent reminders to drink are simple measures that can help prevent serious complications.

Adapting daily routines to prevent complications

It is also advisable to adapt certain everyday routines during the summer months.

Walks should be taken early in the morning or in the evening, always avoiding the hottest part of the day. It is equally important to keep the home well ventilated or air-conditioned, wear lightweight clothing and maintain a fresh, balanced diet.

Dr Torres points out that “many people with Alzheimer’s do not verbalise that they are feeling hot, so caregivers need to actively monitor their general condition and regularly check that they are comfortable and properly hydrated.”

When to seek emergency medical care

Experts emphasise that certain symptoms should never be underestimated when they occur during a heatwave. A high temperature, difficulty waking the patient, loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing or a marked increase in disorientation are warning signs requiring immediate medical attention.

“Prevention remains our best tool for protecting people with Alzheimer’s during the summer,” concludes Dr Erika Torres. “Maintaining adequate hydration, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat and being alert to any changes in behaviour can prevent serious complications. With these patients, we should not wait for obvious symptoms to appear, because they may no longer be able to communicate that something is wrong.”