Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, especially those living with dementia. Take note of these ways to support people with dementia during periods of hot weather.

For many people, a heatwave is a chance to enjoy the hot weather in gardens, parks and outdoor spaces. But the heat can also cause discomfort and a risk of dehydration. If you have a loved one living with dementia, take note of these ways to support them when the temperatures soar. 

Dementia and dehydration in hot weather

Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, and especially those with dementia. Memory problems mean someone with dementia can easily forget to drink enough water.

What’s more, the part of the brain that recognises you’re dehydrated and sends a message to let you know you’re thirsty doesn’t always work properly. Some medications and dementia-related illnesses can also make dehydration worse.

5 tips for preventing dehydration

Here are some simple but effective ways of helping to prevent dehydration during hot weather:

1. Leave beakers or jugs of water within easy reach. This is especially important for people with limited mobility, who aren’t able to get up and make themselves a drink.
2. Make drinking easier. Have a clear beaker so the person can see what’s inside (this may not work so well with water) or a brightly coloured cup to draw attention. Make sure the beaker is within the line of sight. Having a beaker that is suitable (not too heavy or an odd shape) can help. Straws might also be a good idea.
3. Share a drink together. Have a cup of tea or a soft drink with the person and make sure they're drinking during mealtimes.
4. Leave prompts and reminders. Make sure the person with dementia remembers to drink regularly by leaving notes out for them or putting up notices around the house. You could also set up a phone reminder or set an alarm clock.
5. Provide high water content foods. Supplement water and other drinks with foods that are high in fluids. Some good options include ice lollies, jelly, ice cream, soup and fruit such as melon. ‘Water sweets’, such as Jelly Drops, can also help the person stay hydrated.

How to recognise dehydration

There are some things that may show a person is dehydrated. If you spot any of the following, encourage the person to drink water immediately and seek medical help if you need. If the condition worsens or doesn’t improve, go straight to the hospital.

• Increased confusion (compared to typical dementia symptoms)
• Dark and strong-smelling urine
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Headaches or dizziness
• Feeling tired
• Not peeing very often (fewer than four times a day).

5 more tips to help people with dementia keep cool in hot weather

1. Make sure the person is dressed appropriately

If someone with dementia is dressing themselves, they might follow their usual routine and forget to dress for the current weather. Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres can help keep people comfortable and prevent overheating. A hat or cap for outside is also a good idea.

2. Keep the house as cool as possible

Check that the central heating isn’t on, and invest in some fans if necessary. Keeping the curtains or blinds closed during the day – especially in sunny, south-facing rooms – can also help to keep things cool. Blackout and thermal curtains can help too. In the evening, open the windows to let the warm air out and colder air in.

3. Avoid the midday sun

We’re all advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm), and this is even more important for people with dementia. When you’re out and about, seek out plenty of shade. Keep a bottle of sunscreen handy, and make sure it’s reapplied regularly.

4. Find ways to cool off

If someone with dementia is hot and agitated, help them take a cool bath or shower. You could also place a wash cloth and some iced water nearby, so they can dab themselves when they need to. Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan, for some DIY air-conditioning.

5. Ask friends and neighbours to pop in and check the person is ok

If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone – ask a friend or neighbour to pop in and make sure they're ok. They could stay and have a drink with the person and make sure they have everything they need.