Heatwave? What heatwave? – authored by David Truswell
Summary
As heat-related deaths rise across the UK, people living with dementia are among the groups most vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Older adults, particularly those aged over 85, face increased risks, especially when dementia is combined with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or respiratory illness. In this blog, David Truswell argues that the impact of heatwaves on people with dementia receives too little attention and highlights additional risks for those living alone, in urban areas, or within underserved communities. He calls for practical measures, including hydration support, targeted advice and community outreach, to help prevent avoidable illness and deaths.
At the time of writing (31 July 2026) deaths attributable to the heatwave in the UK ran to 2,877 with this set to climb the highest since records began by the end of the summer. As would be expected older people are one of the most vulnerable age groups with the risk of most deaths occurring among those aged 75 and over, and the greatest number of these occurring in those aged 85 and older. Risks are also elevated for those with chronic heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and kidney disease. London, the South-East, and the East of England recorded the highest heat-associated mortality because they combine higher temperatures, dense urban populations, and strong urban heat-island effects (when cities become much warmer than nearby rural areas, often by 1°C to 12°C). Figures are not currently broken down by ethnicity.
There is a lot of complacent allusion to the heatwave of 1976 by elements of the press and broadcast opinionators, and informative but ‘keep calm and carry’ on coverage by the BBC. However, I am alarmed that there seems to be so little pressure being bought by any spokesperson in the dementia arena about the heatwave as a significant and particular risk to people living with dementia. It is also a risk that can and should be reduced by taking action, not waiting (again) for the ‘dementia pill’ that takes all risks away (though not that of ageing).
As there are no comparable figures for the number of deaths, or even numbers of people living with dementia, during the 1976 heatwave, a direct comparison is not possible. But a point worthy of note is that there were far fewer people aged over 85 in the 1970s, so this very high-risk population was smaller. But looking into the future we can expect to see more regular heatwaves, a higher number of people living to be over 85, and a higher number of people living with dementia.
But let’s look at the detail a bit more. We already know that there are higher risks for people from African-Caribbean and South Asian communities to develop dementia. A compounding risk factor here is also heart disease and diabetes, which have a higher incidence in these populations. This means it’s more likely that people in the African-Caribbean and South Asian communities who are living with dementia have other chronic health issues that they are managing. Historic patterns of migration and local economics have led to a substantial proportion of older migrants living in urban areas in the UK Also, contrary to popular myth, many people living with dementia live alone. This includes those from minorities ethnic communities. The poor state of social care in the UK is under the spotlight again, but this is unlikely to be of help in the lives of those people most underserved by current services. After 50 years involvement in social care, I have no false optimism on this score.
There is in my view a clear case for setting one sights on the very vulnerable groups within dementia receiving some straightforward social support, signposting and advice during the heatwave. We’ve moved on from 1976, the heatwaves aren’t going to go away, and the population numbers for this very vulnerable group are increasing. More will die unnecessarily if we don’t take action. Primary care groups should have sufficient data in their records for identifying those with the exceptional risk factors identified above. Community groups, local authorities and GP surgeries could provide information and advice sessions. Care homes and home care services must follow relevant guidance about hydration etc. for people with dementia they care for.
None of this is rocket science nor is it expensive. Otherwise, we will repeat the empty hand wringing about unnecessary deaths, that in my view also reflects outcomes from of social care policy reviews for many years now.
David Truswell
David Truswell is an Independent Advisor on dementia support and services for Black and Minority Ethnic communities and is a Director of Dementia Community. The blog represents David’s personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dementia Community.
LinkedIn Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-truswell-42291312/
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