With another amber heat alert issued across most of the UK today, leading dementia support and research charity Alzheimer’s Society has warned that people living with dementia are more vulnerable to hot weather.
The warning comes following amber heat health alerts being issued for the East Midlands, East of England, London, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands, and temperatures set to peak at 38C in some areas. The alert is in place until Friday 14 August at 9pm. A yellow heat health alert has also been issued for the North East.
Alzheimer’s Society recently shared new analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which found that around one in six of all heat-associated deaths in England during summer 2025 were thought to be linked to dementia.
Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “High temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated.
“People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. With temperatures set to reach extreme highs this week, we’re urging families, friends and carers to make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and keeping their homes as cool as possible.”
Why are people with dementia more vulnerable to the heat?
People living with dementia face several challenges during hot weather:
- Reduced heat awareness – Dementia symptoms can mean that people don’t recognise signs that they’re too hot or realise they need to take cooling measures like staying home, seeking shade or removing clothing.
- Hydration issues – People with dementia may not always recognise that they are thirsty, and may forget or be unable to drink water regularly. This can lead to dehydration, causing headaches, increased confusion, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Clothing and environment – People living with dementia may not dress appropriately for hot weather, forget or not realise how hot it is outside, or forget to use sunscreen or wear a hat.
- Medication interactions – Some medications and dementia-related illnesses can make dehydration worse. Always check the medicine leaflet and speak to the GP if you’re concerned.
Top tips to keep people with dementia safe in the hot weather
- Dress appropriately – Ensure the person living with dementia is wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres help prevent overheating. A hat or cap for outside is essential.
- Keep homes cool – Close the curtains and blinds during the day, especially in sunny, south-facing rooms. Open windows in the evening to let warm air out and cooler air in.
- Avoid the sun – Make sure they stay out of the sun, at least during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). When outdoors, seek shade, wear a hat and apply high-factor sunscreen regularly.
- Find ways to cool off – Try putting a frozen bottle of water or ice pack next to a fan for DIY air-conditioning or place a washcloth and iced water nearby.
- Combat dehydration – Leave glasses or jugs of water within easy reach, share a drink with the person, leave reminders to drink, and provide high water content foods such as ice lollies, milk jellies, melon and yogurt. ‘Water sweets’, such as Jelly Drops, can also help the person stay hydrated.
- Ask others to help – If you don’t live near the person or are worried about someone, ask a friend or neighbour to check in.
If you’re worried about dementia, Alzheimer’s Society is here to help. Call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
