With the likelihood of heat waves on the rise, it is particularly important to be aware of the impact of extreme heat on people with Lewy body dementia (LBD). LBD on its own has a disruptive impact on the Autonomic Nervous system (the automatic part of our nervous system that regulates many of the body’s functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, body temperature, etc.) See February 2020 Blog on Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center website, “Lewy Body Dementia and the Autonomic Nervous System.” Knowing how easily this can happen can help caregivers know how to cope, not panic, and offer comfort to their loved one.
It is now necessary to add to this understanding by focusing particularly on the impact of hot temperatures on the autonomic nervous system. A recent article in Scientific American online newsletter (May 29, 2024) with the daunting title, “This Is Your Brain on Climate Change,” gives some new information about the link between climate change and neurological disorders. As we know, the brain must moderate absolutely every part of our existence. Without our conscious awareness, our brains work hard to sort, react to, and deal with all the myriad stimuli that we are exposed to. A brain suffering from damage caused by Lewy bodies is compromised in its ability to cope with and negotiate easily the normal activities of everyday life.
When even a healthy person with a healthy functioning brain is exposed to high temperatures, less oxygen is transported, and metabolic systems can become disrupted. In other words, high temperatures mess with the brain’s wiring … in anyone’s brain… but especially in those with a variety of brain conditions including dementia.
Exposure to extreme heat is also associated with increased pollution, disrupted sleep, and in some cases interferes with metabolism of medications. Protecting our loved ones with LBD from over-stimulation and demands on the brain’s functioning is always important.
As we move into the summer months, be wary of trying to do the same level of outdoor activity (which may only be a short walk) that you would do with your loved one in comfortable weather. The human brain functions best when outside temperature is between 68-79 degrees. Avoid dehydration, which includes being aware of replenishing electrolytes. Neither you, the caregiver, nor your loved one should down large glasses of water after sweating. Many people aren’t aware that doing so can deplete electrolytes. A physician once told me, “Never just down a large glass of water in hot weather. Have a piece of fruit with the water, some something salty, or add an electrolyte powder to the water.” A recent (May 2024) study in the journal, Lancet Neurology, notes that “impaired communication between brain cells can result from heat-induced dehydration, electrolyte losses, and psychological intolerance of heat.”
You can cool a person’s body down by applying ice to the inner wrist and the sides of the neck. If you wish to take your loved one out for a stroll, earlier in the day is usually best. And you can check the temperature and Air Quality Index (the AQI is listed in many weather apps). Extreme heat and poor air quality often show up together. Remember that when the humidity is high the impact of hot weather is more powerful than in dry environments.
The by-word is caution. Plan ahead, bring electrolyte fortified water or packets of electrolyte powder (examples: Liquid IV, Nuun Hydration Tablets) and don’t push your loved one to do as much as they usually do outdoors when temperatures go above 80. And…enjoy your summer!
