Reply to an Answer

Although it is advisable to consult with a physician about this, the following includes some possible explanations for your mother's sensation of frequently feeling cold. In aging individuals, skin commonly becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty cushion that functions to protect skin against injury. This can also describe why some people become more sensitive to weather conditions, as well as hot and cold temperatures. In addition, if your mother has experienced any weight loss or nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, she can also be more affected by the cold. You may also want to check her temperature to see if she has a fever or elevated body temperature. As already noted, in order to have a better understanding if this cold sensitivity is medically related, it is important to consult with her physician and a nutritionist or dietician as soon as possible. If the doctor rules out all medical explanations, then it is possible that your mother's perception of being cold is caused by sensory acuity issues. Dementias are the result of an injured brain, and they can cause a person to believe or sense that something is true when there is no evidence for it. If your mother thinks that she is cold, the best remedy is to be as supportive as possible. For example, providing her with a warm sweater or a soft blanket is a good idea, and also can function in two other ways - it will demonstrate that you are helping to make her warm, and the tactile stimulation will benefit her sensory system in that it will offer a sense of comfort and safety. Sometimes the feel of a warm cup of tea can act as a way to soothe an individual and give them a sense of warmth. Be as creative as possible and always validate her concerns before redirecting her onto more positive subjects.