Cognitive decline can impact the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment. This can lead to difficulties in sensing and responding to temperature changes, potentially resulting in hypothermia or hyperthermia. For instance, an individual may not realize they are cold and fail to put on appropriate clothing, or conversely, may overheat without seeking a cooler environment.
Maintaining stable physiology is critical for overall health and well-being, and this becomes especially important with age and cognitive impairment. Historically, challenges related to thermal management have been a significant factor impacting vulnerable populations, often leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is therefore vital for improving patient outcomes.
