Heat Intolerance

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD. 

To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WQmkoD0zZH4

Does the summer heat seem to make your Parkinson's symptoms worse?

Heat intolerance is common in Parkinson's, but understanding why it happens can help you stay active and safe. In this episode, we discuss hydration, cooling strategies, medication timing, and practical ways to enjoy summer while managing the heat.

A little planning can go a long way.

Listen now and share this episode with someone who may be spending more time outdoors this summer.

To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-pearls4pd

Wisconsin Parkinson Association 
website: https://wiparkinson.org/
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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Welcome to Pearls for Parkinson's. Here is this week's Daily Living Tip. Welcome back to Pearls for Parkinson's. Today we're talking about heat intolerance. Have you ever noticed that your Parkinson's symptoms seem worse on a hot or humid day? Maybe your walking becomes slower or your tremor becomes more noticeable or you simply feel exhausted much sooner than expected. Many people living with Parkinson's experience heat intolerance because Parkinson's can affect the autonomic nervous system. And that's the nervous system that controls automatic functions, like you're regulating your body temperature and blood pressure and heart rate and sweating. As a result, your body may have a harder time cooling itself off when the temperature rises. You know, heat doesn't make the Parkinson's symptoms progress faster, but it can temporarily make symptoms more noticeable. You might experience more stiffness or slower movements or just more fatigued or even trouble concentrating. So one of the most important things that you can do, of course, is to stay well hydrated. I know I've talked about this a lot, but that's because it is very important. Water plays an essential role in helping your body regulate its temperature. As you sweat, your body uses moisture to cool itself. When you're dehydrated, that cooling system doesn't work as efficiently. So it makes it harder for your body to release heat. I sometimes compare it to trying to run an air conditioner that's low on refrigerant. It still runs, but it can't cool the room very well. Your body's cooling system works much the same way. So don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Make sure you're carrying a water bottle with you to sip on throughout the day, especially if you're outdoors and particularly on hot days. It's also wise to limit alcohol or be mindful of caffeine since both of those can contribute to dehydration as well. One thing I've noticed over the years is that some people experience heat intolerance more at certain times of the day than others. For some, these episodes seem to coincide with their levadopa when it's at a peak blood level. So if you notice that you take your medication and about half hour to an hour, if it's an immediate release carbidopa, leva dopa, you kind of get some hot flashes or you feel like you're more overheated. Paying attention to when those symptoms occur can be very helpful. If you notice a pattern, consider planning outdoor activities for times when you're less affected. And it's also valuable information to share with your neurologist because it can help them guide their decisions about medication timing or any adjustments that might be needed. Planning ahead can make a big difference. Schedule your outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible. And if you're attending things like farmers markets or picnics or a sporting event, look for shaded areas and take breaks before you come overheated. Simple cooling products can help as well, making sure that you're wearing lightweight and light-colored moisture wicking clothes whenever possible. A wide-brimmed hat can also provide shade. And then there are cooling towels or cooling neck wraps that are inexpensive that you can wear that are reusable as well, and they're easy to keep in a bag or in your car. Many people also find a small rechargeable handheld fan or a wearable neck band helpful during outdoor activities as well. If you do become overheated, make sure you move to air conditioned space or shaded area and place a cooling towel on the back of your neck or on your wrist. Those are the areas that help cool the blood circulating through your body more quickly. With a little bit of planning, there's no reason why you need to avoid enjoying your summer. You just need to understand how your body responds to heat, recognize your own patterns, and then make a few simple adjustments that can help you stay active and comfortable and safe. Thank you for listening to Pearls for Parkinsons. If you found some helpful tips in this episode, please hit that like button, leave a comment if you'd like, and share it with a friend or a support group, and tune in next Monday for more Pearls for Parkinson's. The Wisconsin Parkinson Association is a grassroots organization funded by people like you. To support more local programming like this, visit wiparkinson.org.