Mr. Venkatesan (name changed) always enjoyed the summers. Relishing mangoes, spending time with his grandchildren, and just enjoying the season’s lazy afternoons. However, since his Parkinson’s Disorder (PD) diagnosis, summers have become different. Some days are good, while most are not. He notices his tremors worsen, feels easily exhausted, and often forgets to drink water.
Summers are tough.
While scorching heat drains a healthy person’s energy, it is further challenging for someone with a neurological disorder like PD.
Parkinson’s, although known predominantly for its motor symptoms like affected movement and speech, also comes with a host of non-motor symptoms(like constipation, sleep issues and cognitive changes. During the summers, both motor and non-motor symptoms can worsen due to dysregulation of body temperature – the body’s inability to maintain its core temperature in response to the external environment. Hence, for people like Mr. Venkatesan, during summers, they experience (a) too much sweat; (b) feel easily overheated;(c) experience sudden drops in blood pressure.
All of which increase the chances of fatigue, dizziness, urinary tract infection, and extreme heat exhaustion that can be life-threatening.
This dysregulation of body temperature is due to impaired ability to understand thirst. Research suggests that decreased dopamine in the brain can impair thirst cues, hence PD-affected persons may not realise that they are thirsty, and this greatly affects their fluid intake and physical well-being..
What can be done to help a person with PD cope with the summer heat
- Create a fluid tracker: Set reminders to drink water every 1-2 hours. Monitor their water intake closely.
- Dress light: Wear loose, breathable clothing in cotton or linen. These will help them even through extreme sweating.
- Monitor blood pressure: Parkinson’s may cause lowered blood pressure. Notice signs to avoid mishaps.
- Avoid stepping out during peak hours: Do not schedule activities like exercises between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm to avoid the chances of heatstroke.
It only requires small lifestyle adjustments to make summers feel safe again, for not just Mr. Venkatesan, but even for your loved one.
