Researchers from Harvard’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research have discovered that maintaining a home temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 75°F (24°C) can help ward off dementia in older adults. The study, which tracked over 47 participants aged 65 and above, found that temperatures outside this range doubled the likelihood of attention difficulties.
Inside this ideal temperature range, older adults were less likely to self-report difficulty concentrating compared to those with temperatures higher or lower than this range. The researchers noted that even under current climate conditions, many older adults face indoor temperatures detrimental to their cognitive abilities.
The study’s findings suggest that addressing indoor temperature in public health and housing policies could be essential for building climate-resilience among vulnerable populations. Climate change may exacerbate the issue, particularly among low-income and underserved older adults. Experts warned that poor sleep, disrupted by extreme temperatures, can also increase dementia risk.
While the study cannot definitively prove cause-and-effect relationships, it highlights the importance of environmental factors like indoor temperature on cognitive health in aging populations. The researchers emphasize the need for interventions and policies to prioritize climate resilience for older adults as global temperatures rise.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14284663/harvard-researchers-reveal-exact-temperature-thermostat-dementia.html