Bomb Cyclone Storm A Threat To The Elderly, Those With Dementia

With record cold across much of the United States — and more on the way after a “bomb cyclone” (or, alternately, a “bombogenesis”) storm passes through and pulls down a mass of Arctic air known as a polar vortex — some of the most vulnerable are elderly residents.

About half of the people who die annually of hyperthermia — a dangerous drop in body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures — are people over the age of 65. Because elderly people lose body heat quickly, a chill can become a problem before they know it — that's because changes in their bodies can make it difficult to know that they’re cold, according to health experts.

When the body temperature dips below 95 degrees, older people are at special risk for many health problems, including heart attack, kidney problems and liver damage.

The threat to older people is especially acute with temperatures in the sub-zero range across much of the United States. By the weekend, temperatures could be in the double digits below zero all along the Eastern Seaboard, including Deep South states like Georgia and Florida, as well as in the Midwest, where the extreme weather has already caused a string of deaths. Actual temperatures nosedived to 15, 20 and even 45 degrees below zero in some parts of the Midwest over the New Year’s Weekend.

One woman who suffered the early stages of dementia has died in suburban Detroit. Authorities said a 96-year-old woman whose frozen body was found at an elementary playground had apparently wandered away from her home, wearing only her nightgown, robe and slippers. Her body was discovered Tuesday. She was the second person in the Detroit area to have frozen to death in sub-zero wind chills in two days. A man in his 50s was found frozen to death near a church on New Year’s Day. The cold also claimed the lives of two people in Milwaukee and a man in Bismarck, North Dakota, authorities have said.

In Maryland, authorities mounted an around-the-clock search for a 65-year-old man who suffers from dementia and is unable to communicate. He was last seen Tuesday morning. As temperatures plunged to 8 degrees in Virginia, a 79-year-old woman as found lying on the cold ground in Fairfax County Wednesday, but was still alive. She is hospitalized and expected to recover.

Hypothermia Can Occur Even Indoors

Simply staying out of the frigid cold may not be enough protection against hypothermia, according to the National Institute on Aging. On its website, the agency relates the story of a man who wanted to save money during a brutal Vermont winter. He turned his heat down to 62 degrees, not realizing it would endanger his health. When his son arrived to check on him, he was shivering in his lightweight shirt, his speech had slowed and he had difficulty breathing. He had hypothermia, and the NIA says that if not for his son’s timely visit, he may have died.

Learn to recognize hypothermia. Some early signs of hypothermia include:

• Cold feet and hands;
• Puffy or swollen face;
• Pale skin;
• Shivering;
• Slower than normal speech or slurring of words;
• Sleepiness;
• Anger or confusion.

Later signs include:

• Moving slowly, trouble walking or being clumsy;
• Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements;
• Slow heartbeat;
• Slow, shallow breathing;
• Blacking out or losing consciousness.

Call 911 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia. After you call:

• Try to get the person to a warmer place;
• Wrap the person in a warm blanket, towels or coats —whatever is handy;
• Even your own body warmth will hie close to the person, but be gentle;
• Give the person something warm to drink, but avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine;
• Do not rub the person’s legs or arms, warm the person in a bath or use a heating pad.

Here are some tips for staying warm and things to be aware of:

• If someone you know is in a nursing home or group facility, pay attention to the thermostat setting and whether that person is dressed warmly enough. People who are sick may have special problems keeping warm. Even if you keep your temperature between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your home or apartment may not be warm enough to keep you safe. This is a special problem if you live alone because there is no one else to feel the chilliness of the house or notice if you are having symptoms of hypothermia.
• Set your heat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, then close off rooms you’re not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in this these rooms, and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
• Make sure heat isn’t escaping through windows. Keep blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
• Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
• When you go to sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.
• Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don’t eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to stay warm.
• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat.
• Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.
• If you’re using space heaters to keep your house warm, make sure they’re safe. Some are fire hazards, and others can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a good resource for space heater safety habits.
• Bundle up on windy days. A brisk wind can quickly lower your body temperature. Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On those days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don’t stay out in the cold and wind for a long time. If you have to go out, wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps keep you warm. Always wear a hat and scarf — you lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy.
• Be aware that some illnesses — diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, memory loss and arthritis — can make it harder for older adults to stay warm. Talk with your family doctor about your health problems and how to prevent hypothermia.
• Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter remedies, and inactivity can lower body temperature. Ask your doctor if the medicines you take may affect body heat. Always talk with your doctor before you stop taking any medication. Some specific topics to talk with your doctor about include signs of hypothermia, health problems and medications that may make hypothermia more likely and safe ways to remain active inside.

Read More: What Is A Bomb Cyclone? Powerful Storm, Polar Vortex Brew

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