Scientists at New York University have found that extreme heat can exacerbate cognitive decline in some people. Research published Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
In the new study, researchers used data from nearly 9,500 American adults ages 52 and older who were surveyed over a 12-year period (2006-2018). The effect of heat was assessed by the number of days the temperature reached or exceeded the threshold (different for each region).
The analysis showed that persistent extreme heat can exacerbate cognitive decline among older people living in poor areas. At the same time, the mental abilities of people from good regions were not affected.
Scientists attribute the results to the presence of air conditioning in the homes of green areas and wealthy people in the region. Additionally, those living in disadvantaged areas experience more chronic stress, are more likely to be socially isolated, and have less access to specialized services to maintain cognitive health.
However, cognitive decline may not occur after a single heat event, but repeated or prolonged exposure to extreme heat can have a noticeable effect. High temperatures likely initiate a cascade of reactions in the brain that lead to cellular damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress that can deplete cognitive reserve.
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