ADVICE has been issued in aid of the 92,510 people estimated to be living with dementia in the south west as temperatures soar.

National dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society urged those caring for people living with the illness to be wary of dehydration as the south looks set to experience temperatures of up to 30 degrees.

Marion Child, Alzheimer’s Society head of service for the south west, said: “Of course, people should enjoy the nice weather, but high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take special precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.

“People with dementia may forget to drink enough fluids and wear suitable clothing. As the temperatures rise this week, we are urging families and carers to check in on people with dementia to make sure they are staying hydrated, wearing light clothes and keeping out of direct sun.”

During the hot weather, the charity suggests families and carers can help by leaving glasses or jugs of water within easy reach, sharing a drink with the person, leaving reminders to drink and providing high water content foods.

Jelly Drops are water-based sweets used as an alternative way to help people with dementia stay hydrated and help boost daily water intake. They are bite-sized, sugar-free sweets containing 95 per cent water and added electrolytes.