Dementia and Feeling Cold All The Time | Management Tips

Dementia and Feeling Cold All The Time

Feeling persistently cold is a common complaint for many older adults. But for those with dementia, it can signal bigger issues. Keep reading to understand why dementia patients often feel chilled, how to help manage this symptom, and when to seek medical advice.

Why Dementia Causes Sensitivity to Cold

Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia involve progressive damage to brain cells impacting memory, cognition and behavior. As brain cell damage advances, the hypothalamus and areas regulating body temperature become affected.

This impairs the body's ability to adjust its inner thermostat, causing dementia patients to feel frequently cold even when air temperature is normal. Poor circulation, low nutrient intake, and decreased fat stores can worsen the problem.

Managing Cold Sensitivity in Dementia

While feeling excessively cold isn't directly dangerous, it can significantly reduce comfort and quality of life. Here are tips for caregivers on managing chronic coldness in dementia patients:

Adjust Home Temperature

Bumping up the thermostat even a few degrees can make a big difference. Shoot for keeping indoor temperatures around 70-72° F. Warmer air will feel less chilly against the skin.

Utilize Insulating Layers

Dress the dementia patient in loose, breathable layers to better retain body heat. Use insulating base layers closest to skin, then top with wool sweaters, fleece jackets, or shawls as needed through the seasons.

Provide Warm Bedding

Use flannel sheets in winter and all-seasons blankets to better insulate at night. An electric mattress pad on low setting can also gently warm from below without risk of burns.

Warm Beverages & Foods

Offer hot drinks like mild coffee, tea, or broth, as well as oatmeal, soups, and stews. The inner warmth from consumed liquids and foods helps temporarily elevate body temperature.

Keep Feet Warm

Ensure feet stay covered with socks, slippers, or booties. Poor circulation means hands and feet feel coldness most. Directing warmth here provides comfort that radiates through the body.

Encourage Movement

Light movement generates inner warmth while stimulating circulation. Simple chair exercises or dancing to music for even 10-15 minutes can get blood flowing.

Medical Causes of Feeling Cold

In some cases, consistently feeling cold stems from an underlying physical condition rather than dementia itself. Potential medical reasons for chronic coldness include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition
• Arthritis
• Anemia
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects

Schedule an exam with the dementia patient's doctor to identify and properly treat any condition worsening temperature regulation issues.

Signs of Serious Temperature Problems

While simple cold sensitivity causes discomfort more than harm, temperature extremes can become dangerous for dementia patients. Watch for these red flags of hypothermia or heat stroke:

Hypothermia Symptoms

• Body temperature below 95°F
• Pale, cold skin
• Fatigue, confusion, slurred speech
• Weak pulse, shallow breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Heat Stroke Symptoms

• Body temperature over 103°F
• Hot, flushed, dry skin
• Rapid pulse, headache, dizziness
• Nausea, confusion, irrational behavior
• Loss of consciousness

If extreme hypothermia or heatstroke symptoms appear, get emergency medical assistance immediately to prevent serious complications.

Using Space Heaters Safely

Portable electric space heaters can help efficiently direct warmth right where needed. However, incorrect use also introduces fire and electric shock risks. Follow these space heater safety tips for dementia patients:

• Select a newer unit with auto shut-off if tipped over
• Place on flat, non-flammable flooring, at least 3 feet from fabric
• Plug directly into the wall with no extension cords
• Don't leave operating unattended
• Install barriers to prevent accidental contact

Remember space heaters are only temporary warming devices - not all day solutions. Continually supervise dementia patients whenever space heaters are operating.

Adapting the Care Routine for Cold Sensitivity

Accommodating chronic feeling cold takes some trial and error. Observe when symptoms peak and collaborate on solutions. Maintain open communication with the patient while being patient about an issue they can’t readily control.

With some Adaptive tweaks to environment, clothing and nutrition, dementia patients can achieve better comfort and function despite impaired temperature regulation abilities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.