Losing his thermostat - supposed to do anything?

shiawase12 · November 24

My DH is into early stage 5 probably. Diagnosed a year ago with Alz.

I've noticed the last few months his hands and feet are often cold. Circulation issue I imagine.

He's also been keeping the house around 70 at all times.

Tonight we happen to be in a hotel room on our way to visit the grandkids for Thanksgiving. Immediately upon walking into the room he said it was cold and turned the heater up. It was not at all cold.

The small room quickly became waaayyy too hot for me, but he was still saying his feet were cold. I gave him my half of the blanket and as soon as he was asleep I turned the heat down.

Is this just normal progression stuff or do I need to be concerned? Possible see the doctor?

jgreen · November 24

Hi @shiawase12

I see you are away from home. If family have clothes that will fit your DH, perhaps let him wear a jacket or sweater, extra socks, etc so he will feel warm. (Hate to send you shopping so close to the holiday!)

Maybe check with doctor when you return home. Could be the meds he’s on. My DH is always cold! Was dressed in long sleeves with sweatshirt even this past summer when it was in the 90’s! Could be that part of the brain that controls temp regulation is affected. I have to keep an eye on mine and peel off layers if I see he is getting warm and not noticing.

I hope you have a good visit with the grandkids, and that your holiday is enjoyable. Big hug!

Maru · November 24

We have a similar situation.I am not sure whether it is the ALZ or just old age (90). I remind him to put on his cardigan or warm housecoat if he is cold. He wears fur lined slippers in the house so his feet stay warm. He does change the temp on the thermostat but I quietly change it back to reasonable. Every day a new brings a new adjustment.

harshedbuzz · November 24

@shiawase12

It's likely that the disease is impacting the area of the brain responsible for temperature regulation. You'll be more comfortable if you dress him with a layer or 2 more clothing than you'd wear. Socks, fleece vests and even a hat if needed.

My dad's specific kind of dementia is associated with this symptom early on. Some strategies if he doesn't leave the thermostat alone are to use a commercial lock box on it, to have a programable model operated by an app on your phone and/or installing a new thermostat in another "hidden" location while disconnecting the one he fiddles with.

HB

Rick4407 · November 24

You don't mention his age. As we age a thin layer of fat just below the skin goes away. It is insulation so people tend to get more sensitive to cold as they age. Secondly your metabolism tends to slow a little, that reduces the amount of heat the body generates. It may well be a natural part of his aging… Rick

ronda b · November 24

Is he on any kind of blood thinners? That will cause him to be cold. Does he have any kind of circulation problems? Another reason. Low bp again another.

tonyac2 · November 24

In addition to Alzheimer related issues, it could be thyroid, just a thought.

tboard · November 24

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74673/losing-his-thermostat-supposed-to-do-anything

In my experience this is pretty common. I like to have an extra blanket for DH that he can cover up with to stay warm.

steeleposte · November 26

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74673/losing-his-thermostat-supposed-to-do-anything

recently my wife has been having similar experiences with being cold. Additionally, she would break into cold sweats while sitting in her chair. Speaking with her doctor about this she told me that the portion of her brain that controls body temperature is no longer functioning as it should. Really nothing to worry about in that when her temp is taken it is normal

Call me Gram · November 26

Wow, you all have such great advice!

I posted a similar message, then saw this. Apparently this is a common concern.

DH is 68 years old and feels cold year-round. He doesn't take any meds that would cause cold intolerance. We don't know which form of dementia he has yet, but we have a neurological appointment for him in a few weeks that should give us more info. I will ask about this there, and see if they think he should have his thyroid checked. However, it's probably a temperature regulation issue, as mentioned above.

I use a smart thermostat, ice packs, and a personal fan to keep myself as sane as possible.

Thank you all for your great ideas!

Timmyd · November 27

DW generally feels much colder than me. I have had success with plug in electric blankets. I keep one on her side of the bed and second on the couch. She really appreciates it when I pre-warm her side of the the bed at night. I set the thermostat at my preferred temperature and she is fine with that because of her heated blankets.

JJ401 · November 27

We play wack a mole here with the thermostat. He turns it up. I turn it down. I just ordered him some thermal underwear shirts. Hoping they help.

Losing his thermostat - supposed to do anything?

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