February 10, 2025

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Elevating Home Design Standards

Can your room’s temperature affect brain function?

Can your room’s temperature affect brain function?
Can your room's temperature affect brain function?

Have you met those summer-lovers who refuse to step out of their own houses during the cold weather because they won’t be having the comfort of their preferred temperature? Turns out, it’s not just some preferred climate; the ‘room temperature’ has a lot to do with the cognitive functions as well.
A new study by Hebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, has revealed that older adults experience the least attention difficulties when home temperatures remain between 68–75 ˚F (20–24 ˚C). Deviations beyond this range double the risk of attention lapses, highlighting how even current climate conditions may harm cognitive health.
This risk is especially pronounced for low-income seniors who may lack the means to regulate indoor temperatures.

What does the study say?

The findings of the new study emphasize the need for climate-resilient housing policies and public health interventions to protect aging populations.
As global temperatures rise, safeguarding access to temperature-controlled environments could prevent cognitive decline. Smart technologies and improved energy-efficient housing are proposed as proactive solutions.
Key Facts:
Optimal Range: Attention performance was best at indoor temperatures of 68–75 ˚F (20–24 ˚C).
Cognitive Risk: A 7 ˚F (4 ˚C) deviation doubled the likelihood of attention difficulties.
Climate Concerns: Older adults in underserved communities face higher risks due to limited access to temperature control.

Room temp (2)

Connection with the cognitive health:

The study, conducted by scientists at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, 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. The study found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home temperatures were within 68–75 ˚F (20–24 ˚C).
Room temperature can affect brain function. Both extreme heat and cold can impair cognitive function.
How does temperature affect brain function?
Small temperature increases: Small temperature increases can alter brain activity, sometimes negatively.
Heat stress: Exposure to heat stress can make you anxious, irritable, and dull your thinking.
Cold stress: Exposure to cold stress can impair cognitive function.
Temperature and physiological responses: Unfavorable air temperatures can affect physiological responses and cognitive functions.
How does temperature affect cognitive performance?
Cognitive performance: Relative warm or cold indoor temperatures can lead to longer response time and lower accuracy.
Concentration: The concentration index is affected by exposure temperature.
Mental health: Hospital ER visits for mental health conditions rise during extremely hot days.
How can room temperature affect work and studying?
Room temperature can make a difference in the quality of your work and studying.
Providing thermal comfort can improve performance within indoor environments.
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.

Room temp (1)

What are the implications?

The implications are particularly concerning for low-income and underserved populations, who may have fewer resources to regulate their home environments.
As per 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, “Our findings underscore the importance of understanding how environmental factors, like indoor temperature, impact cognitive health in aging populations.” He added, “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.”

What is the solution?

Although there is no objective remedy to it, potential solutions include integrating smart home technologies to optimize indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency in housing, and expanding access to cooling resources.

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