Alzheimer Disease: Keeping the Patient Warm

As we get older there are many things that it becomes more difficult for our bodies to do.  Keeping warm is one of those things.  As we age the temperature of our bodies drop, leaving us more at risk for heart attack, stroke, and breathing difficulties.  To live a healthy lifestyle in your older years it’s important that you stay warm and comfortable.

Those patients who are suffering from Alzheimer Disease will find it even more difficult to stay warm since they often won’t be able to let their caregivers know that they are cold.  If you are a caregiver of an Alzheimer patient there are some things that you can do to ensure that your patient is warm enough.

Try to keep the temperature of the room at about 70 degrees.  This is particularly true for the bedroom area. 

Make sure that the temperature remains consistent at night so there is little fluctuation of the comfort level.  If the room is too cold you might want to put a hot water bottle into bed with your patient so that there is warmth under the covers.  Avoid the use of electric blankets since there is always the danger of electrocution if you’re not constantly keeping watch.  During the winter months keep the windows closed to avoid a chill and wind draft.

Make sure that the Alzheimer patient eats healthy since a well balanced diet can aid in keeping the body at an even temperature.  During the winter, try to include at least one hot meal every day.

Alzheimer patients, when left to dress themselves, will often dress in several layers of clothing.  As a caregiver make sure that you dress your patient with care and attention to the temperature of the room or the outdoors. 

You might want to consider bed socks if you find that your patient’s feet are too cold during the night.  Keep a house coat and slippers by the bed for night time trips to the bathroom.

Regular exercise of some kind will help to regulate the body temperature of an Alzheimer patient.  Keep in mind that people with Alzheimer disease will be less active than other people and so you’ll have to encourage some sort of activity even if it just a short walk outside.  Try not to let your patient sit for long periods of time.

Keeping an Alzheimer patient warm is important so that (1) they are kept as comfortable as possible, and (2) because they often can’t express to you how cold they are.