Higher temperatures are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
A groundbreaking study has found a strong link between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults, highlighting how climate change could increase risks to cognitive health.
Researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Research on Aging, part of Hebrew SeniorLife and affiliated with Harvard Medical School, found that older adults experienced the least difficulty paying attention when the temperature of their house remained between 68 and 75°F (20 and 24°C). . When temperatures moved just 7°F (4°C) above or below this range, the risk of attention problems doubled.
Study details and results
The longitudinal observational study monitored home temperature and self-reported attention difficulties in 47 adults aged 65 and older over the course of a year. The results, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciencessuggest that even current climate conditions put older adults at risk, with many facing indoor temperatures that could impair their cognitive abilities. The implications are particularly concerning for low-income and underserved populations, who may have fewer resources to regulate their home environments.
“Our findings highlight the importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, impact cognitive health in aging populations,” said lead study author Amir Baniassadi, PhD, Assistant Scientist II at Marcus Institute and leading expert in the field. study of the effects of climate change on seniors. “This research highlights the need for public health interventions and housing policies that prioritize climate resilience for older adults. As global temperatures rise, ensuring access to temperature-controlled environments will be crucial to protecting their cognitive well-being. »
Broader context and proposed solutions
Following a 2023 study measuring the impact of temperature on older adults’ sleep and cognitive abilities, the study now adds to growing evidence that the effects of climate change extend beyond the physical health to encompass cognitive functioning, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
Potential solutions include integrating smart home technologies to optimize indoor temperatures, improving home energy efficiency, and expanding access to cooling resources.
Reference: “Home Ambient Temperature and Self-reported Attention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults” by Amir Baniassadi, Wanting Yu, Thomas Travison, Ryan Day, Lewis Lipsitz and Brad Manor, December 3, 2024, Gerontology journals: series A.
DOI: 10.1093/gerone/glae286
Other researchers participating in the study, all of whom work at the Marcus Institute, included Wanting Yu, BSc, Project Director I; Thomas Travison, PhD, principal scientist; Ryan Day; Lewis Lipsitz, MD, Director of the Marcus Institute and Academic Director of Irving and Edyth S. Usen and Family Chair in Medical Research, Hebrew SeniorLife; and Brad Manor, PhD, associate scientist.
The study was funded by a T32 grant from the US National Institute on Aging (T32AG023480) and the TMCITY Foundation.
