Lowering your thermostat beyond this specific temperature may potentially lead to cognitive decline, according to scientific assertions.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences suggests that maintaining indoor temperatures within an optimal range can promote brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. The ideal thermostat range, according to the research, is around 18–22°C (64–72°F).
The study, conducted by researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, involved 47 adults aged 65 and older. Participants had temperature sensors installed in their most frequented rooms, and over the course of one year, they completed regular questionnaires reporting on their ability to concentrate and maintain attention.
The study found that older adults living in homes with ambient temperatures between 20°C and 24°C experienced the least difficulty concentrating. Exposure to high ambient temperatures was significantly associated with decreased cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Depression partially mediated the relationship between heat exposure and cognitive decline, indicating that heat stress may impact mental health, which in turn affects cognitive outcomes.
Maintaining moderate indoor temperatures can be a preventative measure to protect brain health against temperature-related cognitive risks. Dr Amir Baniassadi, the study's lead author and a brain health expert, stated that maintaining an ideal indoor temperature is vital for older adults' cognitive health.
As global temperatures rise, the research highlights the need for public health initiatives and housing policies to address the temperature-related cognitive risks of low-income and underserved older adults. With dementia diagnoses expected to double by 2060, addressing environmental factors like indoor temperature may play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cognitive decline on individuals and healthcare systems.
The study also emphasizes the importance of climate-resilient housing and access to heating control technology to mitigate these challenges. Access to heating control technology is essential for climate-resilient housing to mitigate temperature-related cognitive risks.
Over time, the body's cells work harder to maintain core temperature in colder homes, leaving less energy available for brain function. Conversely, excessively warm conditions can lead to dehydration, disrupt sleep, and directly damage brain cells - factors that significantly elevate dementia risk.
This study adds to existing research linking optimal indoor temperatures to better sleep, which is critical for brain health and dementia prevention. By keeping your home heating within the 20°C to 24°C range, you're not just ensuring comfort - you're investing in your brain health for years to come.
[1] Baniassadi, A., et al. (2022). Associations between indoor temperature and cognitive function in older adults: A longitudinal study. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.
- The study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences suggests building climate-resilient homes could guide the prevention of dementia by maintaining ideal indoor temperatures.
- The researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston found maintaining home temperatures between 20°C and 24°C could promote mental health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Homes with ambient temperatures in this range could help keep doors open to better mental health and windows of opportunity for therapies and treatments related to aging.
- The study highlights the need for energy-efficient windows, doors, and heating systems as science continues to uncover the impact of indoor temperatures on health and wellness.
- Dr Amir Baniassadi, the study's lead author, recommends older adults consider designing living spaces that prioritize a home's heating and cooling systems for optimal brain health.
- In light of rising global temperatures, policies guiding heating and insulation for low-income and underserved older adults could help minimize the mental and physical health challenges associated with aging.
