Cognitive Vulnerability to Temperature in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Gronlund Carina, Cameron Erinn, Lee Jinkook, Ailshire Jennifer, Adar Sara
Primary Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Hypothesis
Extreme temperatures might influence cognitive function in older adults, particularly in poor-quality housing and unsafe neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Colder temperatures are associated with lower cognitive performance, and hot temperatures have varying effects depending on the region and neighborhood safety.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower cognitive performance was observed with colder temperatures 6 months prior.
- Hot temperatures had regionally heterogeneous effects on cognition.
- Unsafe neighborhoods exacerbated the negative effects of high temperatures on cognitive function.
Takeaway
When it's really hot or cold, older people might have a harder time thinking, especially if they live in unsafe places or bad homes.
Methodology
The study used biennial surveys from approximately 40,000 respondents and analyzed associations between cognition scores and temperatures by region, housing condition, and neighborhood safety.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from various regions in the United States.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% Confidence Interval: -0.2, 0.0 for colder temperatures; 95% CI: -2.2, -0.4 and 95% CI: -1.6, -0.5 for hot temperatures.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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