As winter settles in, many people notice they feel less energetic, spend more time indoors, and adjust their daily routines. For someone living with dementia, however, the colder months can present challenges that go far beyond simply feeling chilly.
At Protea Memory Clinic, we often see how seasonal changes can affect both residents and families. While winter doesn’t cause dementia to worsen, cold weather and shorter days can temporarily increase confusion, affect mood, and make everyday life more difficult. Understanding these seasonal challenges can help families provide the right support and know when additional assistance may be needed.
Why Winter Can Be More Difficult
People living with dementia often have difficulty recognising or communicating physical discomfort. They may not realise they are cold, forget to put on warm clothing, or be unable to explain how they are feeling.
Winter can also bring changes that indirectly affect cognitive and emotional well-being, including:
• Reduced physical activity
• Less exposure to natural daylight
• Increased social isolation
• Disrupted daily routines
• A greater risk of seasonal illnesses
Together, these factors can contribute to increased confusion, anxiety, fatigue, or agitation.
Cold Weather and the Brain
Research suggests that older adults may become more vulnerable to the effects of cold because the body’s ability to regulate temperature naturally declines with age. For someone living with dementia, this can be even more challenging.
Some people may not recognise they are becoming too cold or may forget simple things such as switching on the heater, wearing a jersey, or drinking enough fluids.
Cold weather can also contribute to dehydration, which is a common but often overlooked cause of increased confusion in older adults.
Changes Families May Notice
During winter, families sometimes observe temporary changes such as:
• Increased confusion or forgetfulness
• Greater fatigue or sleeping more during the day
• Restlessness or agitation, particularly later in the afternoon
• Reduced appetite or fluid intake
• Less interest in hobbies or social interaction
These changes do not necessarily mean dementia is progressing. Often, they are linked to seasonal factors that can be managed with the right support.
Helping a Loved One Through Winter
There are several practical ways families can help during the colder months:
• Keep living areas comfortably warm.
• Encourage layered clothing and warm footwear.
• Offer warm drinks and regular fluids throughout the day.
• Maintain familiar daily routines where possible.
• Encourage gentle movement or indoor exercise.
• Make the most of natural daylight by opening curtains and spending time near windows.
• Continue social interaction through family visits, phone calls, or meaningful activities.
Even small changes can help improve comfort, mood, and overall well-being.
How Protea Memory Clinic Supports Families During Every Season
At Protea Memory Clinic, we understand that dementia care changes with the seasons. Our experienced team continually monitors residents’ comfort, hydration, nutrition, and emotional well-being, adapting care plans to meet their changing needs throughout the year.
For families wishing to keep a loved one at home, we also offer assessment-based home-care services. Our trained carers provide personalised support that can range from a few hours a day to full-time care, helping families ensure their loved ones remain safe, warm, and well cared for in familiar surroundings.
Beyond direct care, we work closely with doctors and multidisciplinary healthcare teams while providing ongoing guidance, education, and support to families. Through our open-door policy and free monthly support group sessions, we are committed to ensuring that no family has to navigate dementia alone.
Supporting Comfort, Safety and Quality of Life
Winter brings unique challenges, but with the right care and planning, it can also be a season of comfort, connection, and reassurance.
Whether your loved one is receiving care at home or you are exploring residential dementia care, Protea Memory Clinic is here to provide the expertise, compassionate support, and personalised care your family needs every step of the way.
References
PLOS ONE. How weather affects cognitive and physical outcomes in older adults.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0335866
Environment International. Effects of ambient temperature on mental and neurological conditions in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024007529
British Journal of Community Nursing. The impact of cold weather on older people and the vital role of community nurses.
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/pdf/10.12968/bjcn.2024.0003
Alzheimer’s Society. 7 ways to support a person with dementia in cold weather.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-support-somebody-living-dementia-cold-weather
