My husband is in the middle stages of dementia. I don’t know what kind, as he has refused to engage in tests that would help pin it down. In the past year or two, he is cold all the time. It can be in the mid or high 80’s outside and he will set the AC on 82 and sometimes turn on the fireplace. I try to tolerate it, but can only do so much. He is also really lethargic most of the time and will fall asleep in his chair repeatedly, although he seems to be sleeping at night. He does have sleep apnea, but he has a custom dental device for that.
I’m just wondering if these are symptoms of dementia. Has anyone else have experience these things?
My mum was always cold, but her husband couldn't tolerate the heat. So, she always had a cosy blanket over her, even at the height of summer.
It doesn't matter that he doesn't understand the need for it in spring, etc, you shouldn't have to deal with excessive temperatures, or high gas/electricity bills.
Find a way to lock your heating, so that you control the heating, not your husband. But keep him warm with extra clothing blankets.
After years of being cold, Mum's internal thermostat started going the other way and she was getting hot and sweating. Towards the end, she no longer needed the warm clothes and blankets, but loose cotton clothing and a sheet instead of blankets on her bed.
As funkygrandma says, bundle him up so you don't have to cook in your own home.
Feeling cold, even in a warm room, can be a symptom of dementia, especially as it progresses. Dementia can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature due to damage to the hypothalamus, a brain region crucial for temperature control. Additionally, reduced perception of temperature changes and ineffective responses to temperature fluctuations can contribute to this coldness.
Here's why dementia can make someone feel cold and what to do about it:
Impaired Temperature Regulation:
Dementia can damage the hypothalamus, leading to a reduced ability to regulate body temperature.
Reduced Perception:
Individuals with dementia might not recognize when they are feeling cold, making it difficult to take appropriate action.
Ineffective Responses:
Shivering, a natural response to cold, may be impaired in individuals with dementia.
Other Factors:
Age-related changes, such as a slower metabolism and reduced circulation, can also contribute to feeling cold.
What to do if someone with dementia is feeling cold:
Provide Gentle Warmth: Offer a warm drink, gently warmed rice or bean sock, or encourage them to wrap themselves in a blanket.
Encourage Activity: Movement and exercise can help boost circulation and keep the body warm.
Layer Clothing: Wear layers of clothing, including socks, to help insulate the body.
Maintain a Comfortable Environment: Keep the home warm with proper insulation and heating.
Monitor for Hypothermia: Be aware of the signs of hypothermia, such as confusion, slurred speech, sleepiness, and shallow breathing.
Consult a Doctor: If the person is consistently cold, especially if there are other symptoms, consult their doctor to rule out other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism.
Lots of sleeping, especially as dementia advances, goes with the territory as well.
Without decent medical intervention, in all of this your guess would be as good as (and likely better than) ours.
I was told by a friend, whose husband is further along with his dementia that he is also cold all the time and that the body forgets how to regulate its temperature.
Just wondering if anyone knows more about either.