Effect of high climate temperature on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate if high climate temperature could have a negative effect on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study.


METHODS
Six patients discharged from the "Richiedei" Alzheimer Rehabilitation Unit-Italy during a period of very high climate temperature (June 14-21, 2002, 30.4 degrees C [86.7 degrees F]) are defined as the case-group. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics are compared with those of patients discharged during the previous 5 weeks (I control-group, n = 10) and the following 5 weeks (II control-group, n = 9).


METHODS
On admission and on discharge, a multidimensional evaluation was performed assessing mental and functional status, BPSD (Neuropsychiatric Inventory, NPI), somatic health status, and pharmacotherapy. Changes in BPSD severity was computed as the difference in NPI total score (Delta-NPI) between the last and the first week of stay. Atmospheric temperature was also considered.


RESULTS
The three groups did not differ with respect to sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics. On admission, frequency and severity of BPSD were similar among groups; whereas on discharge, the case-group had an increase in NPI scores (NPI during the first week [median], 13 in the case-group vs. 21 in the I control-group vs. 20.5 in the II one; during the last week: 24.5 vs. 9.5 vs. 15, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
High climate temperature could have a negative impact on behavior in demented patients. To explain the possible mechanisms of the negative impact of high climate temperature on behavior, two hypotheses are proposed.
Cornali
Cristina
C
Alzheimer Rehabilitation Unit, Richiedei Medical Center, via Sgrazutti 1, 25036 Palazzolo s/O, Brescia, Italy. cristinacornali@yahoo.it
Franzoni
Simone
S
Riello
Roberta
R
Ghianda
Diego
D
Frisoni
Giovanni B
GB
Trabucchi
Marco
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
D018697:Nootropic Agents