Links hotter temperature to increased cognitive risk

A groundbreaking study has identified a significant relationship between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults, shedding light on how climate change may pose an increased risk to cognitive health.

Conducted by scientists at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, the research arm of Hebrew SeniorLife, a nonprofit affiliate of Harvard Medical School, the study found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home temperatures were within 68–75 ˚F (20–24 ˚C). Outside of this range, the likelihood of attention difficulties doubled with a 7 ˚F (4 ˚C) variation in either direction.

The longitudinal observational study, entitled “Home Ambient Temperature and Self-reported Attention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults,” monitored home temperatures and self-reported attention difficulties in 47 adults aged 65 and older over the course of a year. The findings, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, suggest that even current climate conditions are placing older adults at risk, with many experiencing indoor temperatures that may 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 underscore the importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, impact cognitive health in aging populations," said Amir Baniassadi, PhD, lead author of the study, an Assistant Scientist II at the Marcus Institute and a leading expert in the 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 for protecting their cognitive well-being."

Following a 2023 study measuring how temperature affected how older adults slept and their cognitive ability, the study currently adds to growing evidence that the effects of climate change extend beyond physical health to encompass cognitive functioning, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. Potential solutions include integrating smart home technologies to optimize indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency in housing, and expanding access to cooling resources.