Healthy Habits: Staying Active with a Loved One with Alzheimer's or Dementia

 Summer is revered for its fun-filled, adventure seeking nature. It’s a time when people head outdoors or take on new, fun activities that they may have been waiting for since the cooler months passed. But, for many battling Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diseases, summer can be a difficult transition… a time with increased stress and risk. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s estimated that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s in 2021. That means that nearly 6 million Americans are battling the daily effects of Alzheimer’s in these hot summer months. 

Lisa Skinner, behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, highlights the unique effects that hot summertime weather can have on a person battling Alzheimer’s:

“Older adults, and particularly individuals who suffer from Azheimer’s disease and dementia are at a much higher risk during hot weather than their younger counterparts. As we age there are many factors to be aware of. 1) Our bodies are less able to adjust to sudden temperature changes, 2) An elderly individual may have a chronic medical condition that affects their response to heat, and 3) Medications they are taking may not interact well with heat,” says Lisa.  

So, why is it important for caregivers and loved ones to understand how certain summertime activities may require extra attention for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia?

“Caregivers will need to take extra precautions during the hot summer months if the person they are caring for has Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Due to their cognitive loss, they will probably not have the sensory ability to take the appropriate measures to protect themselves from intense heat. They may be unaware that they are overheated, dehydrated or getting sunburned.  Outdoor activities such as picnics, walks, gardening, fruit picking, or a trip to the zoo present wonderful opportunities for creating special moments of joy for those with dementia; however, even brief exposure to the heat can prove to be extremely dangerous. It does not take long for a senior to suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they are exposed to the sun for too long.”

Here are Lisa’s top 5 tips to ensure that their loved one with Alzheimer’s can safely engage in activities throughout the summer:

TIP #1: Stay hydrated
Dehydration can occur very quickly during the summer. Make sure you offer water and/or fruit juices on a regular basis and be sure there is plenty of hydration available wherever you go. Encourage them to drink even if they act like they don’t want it. They might not always realize that they are thirsty and/or that they need to drink to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and other diuretics.  

TIP #2: Be mindful of clothing choices
Make sure they are dressed in weather-appropriate attire. Have them wear loose, breathable clothing to help reduce sweating and help them stay cool. Have them wear a hat and sunglasses, and make sure you apply sunscreen every few hours, to protect any exposed skin. 

TIP #3: Keep cool and shaded outdoors
Look for shaded areas as much as possible if doing an outdoor activity. Try to keep the outdoor activity to a minimum during the peak summer hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay close and look for changes in their behavior and signs of distress. Have an exit strategy in place.

TIP #4: Keep cool and shaded indoors
Use air conditioning or fans to keep their living space comfortable for them, and allow them to get sufficient rest or quiet time to help them deal with the heat. 

TIP #5: Exercise 
Exercise is important to maintain for overall health; however, it should be limited to cool times of the day and cool areas of the home during the summer months. 

Learn more in this interview 

 

Why do activities during warmer months take an extra level of caution for people with Alzheimer's and dementia? 

Activities during warmer months take an extra level of caution for several reasons. 

1. Most people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are elderly adults. It typically shows up in people over the age of 65. That said, as we age, there are many factors to take into consideration as an older adult that could seriously be impacted by warmer weather. As we get older, our bodies are less able to adjust to sudden temperature changes, leaving us vulnerable to heat illness and heat stroke; older adults can easily become dehydrated if they don’t have access to regular fluids; An elderly individual may have a chronic medical condition that affects their response to heat; Medications they are taking may not interact well with heat.
   

2. Factoring in cognitive loss from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with the other dangers of being an elderly adult increases the need for that extra level of caution because they lose the sensory ability to take the appropriate measures to protect themselves from heat leaving them unaware that they are overheated, dehydrated, or sunburned. 

 

Why is it important to still continue helping loved ones stay active? 

• Staying active can slow the decline of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If we don’t keep our brains stimulated, they atrophy (shrink), and lose their connections.    
• Being active provides daily structure. People with dementia do best with a consistent daily routine.
• Being active allows people to feel productive, connected, engaged and offers them a sense of purpose.
• Activities can help reduce challenging behaviors.
• Activities trigger memories and create moments of joy for people with dementia. 

What are some activities that are appropriate for families who have a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia? 

• Relate activities to the person’s work life or interests. A former secretary might enjoy activities that involve organizing things, or making a to-do list. A former homemaker might enjoy folding laundry or setting the table. 
• Avoid overstimulation. Many people with dementia find crowds, constant movement, and noise overwhelming. 
• Activities can include planned engagements such as a game of bingo,  as well as life skills which means allowing them to participate in their daily living skills. Always allow them to be as independent as they are able to be, but be available to assist them if the task seems to frustrate them. Choose activities that match their skill level. 
• Music can tap into a person’s sense of movement and rhythm that is often retained with dementia. Listening to music, especially music that is familiar to them can trigger happy memories and create positive feelings for them. People with dementia often have exceptional memories of past events, so looking at old photos or memorabilia can help trigger those memories. Ask them to tell you about a particular photo and let them tell you their story, even if it's not completely accurate. 
• Focus on enjoyment vs. achievement. Find activities that enhance their remaining skills. If they are a higher functioning individual, activities like arts and crafts can be very fulfilling, even if it's not perfect; whereas, a lower functioning individual might enjoy frosting cupcakes or decorating cookies, and then eating them. 

Lisa Skinner is a behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In her 20-year career as a community counselor and regional director of senior care facilities, she has helped thousands of families find the best care options for their loved ones. She holds an Administrator’s License through the California Department of Social Services. As a trainer, adviser and public speaker, Skinner has dedicated her career to teaching people the skills to effectively manage brain disease. She has written Not All Who Wonder Need Be Lost and has an upcoming book - Truth, Lies, & Alzheimer's.