Things Caregivers Need to Know About Hyperthermia and Seniors With Dementia

Indiana is known for its summer heat. The days are hot and sunny, making hyperthermia a real problem. Even worse, children and older people are more likely to be affected. As caregivers, it is important that you understand hyperthermia to keep your loved ones and charges safe from the Indiana heat. 

What Is Hyperthermia?

• Basically, hyperthermia is when your body overheats. Since the normal temperature is 98.6 degrees, any temperature over ninety-nine degrees is considered too hot. 
• That being said, hyperthermia is not a fever. Your body isn't fighting something. You became overheated, and your body is unable to regulate your temperature. It is not a fever, and it is preventable. 

What Are the Different Forms of Hyperthermia?

• It starts out as muscle cramps due to the loss of electrolytes due to sweating.
• Heat exhaustion is even more serious and your temperature may become as high as one hundred and four degrees.
• Many people get heat rash from sweating. They may notice that they have red pimples or blisters. This usually occurs in areas where you sweat a lot, including your groin, your elbow, and anywhere else that sweat pools. 
• Heatstroke is the worst form of hyperthermia, and it is life-threatening. Your body starts shutting down, including your brain and other organs. Your body temperature can get up to one hundred and six degrees. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthermia?

Since there are many forms of hyperthermia, there are many different symptoms. Some of these include: 

• Muscle spasms and pains
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting 
• General weakness 
• Trouble walking and balancing 
• Confusion 
• Seizures 
• Coma 

Why Is Hyperthermia So Bad for People Who Are Sixty-Five and Older? 

• Many people that live alone may not take proper care of themselves. 
• Even if they have a caregiver, they may struggle to voice their discomfort to you. 
• They may also not be aware that they are overheating until it is too late. 
• The simple truth is that their body may not be able to cope with changes as well as a younger one. They may not be able to sweat as well, which causes them to overheat quickly. 
• Many medical problems can make them more vulnerable to heat.
• Medications can do the same thing.

What Can Caregivers Do to Help Seniors Stay Safe? 

Lucky for you and your charges, hyperthermia is preventable, even in the Evansville area.

• Go outside when it is cooler out, such as early in the morning and evening. 
• Avoid the outside and sun when it is hottest (between noon and four in the evening). 
• Use air conditioning to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks. 
• Wear lightweight clothing when you do need to go outside. 
• Avoid outside exercise. 

Hyperthermia is a life-threatening condition that is easily preventable by avoiding the hot sun when it is at its peak. Instead, you should stay inside in the air conditioning to ensure that your body temperature doesn't get to an uncomfortable temperature.