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Effect of extreme high temperature on cognitive function at different time scales: A national
Bo Yin1, Wen Fang2, Linfeng Liu1
1School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|March 22, 2024
Summary
Extreme high temperatures negatively impact cognitive function, leading to declines at hourly, daily, and annual exposure levels. This highlights the need for protective measures amid climate change.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cognitive Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High temperatures are linked to adverse health outcomes, including mortality and morbidity.
- The specific impact of extreme heat on cognitive function remains under-investigated.
- Cognitive performance is crucial for daily functioning, decision-making, and learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between extreme high temperatures and cognitive function.
- To analyze exposure at various time scales: hourly, daily, and annual.
- To utilize a large-scale longitudinal dataset for robust analysis.
Main Methods:
- Employed data from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS) with 53,008 participants over 8 years.
- Defined extreme heat exposure as the proportion of days/hours exceeding 32°C.
- Utilized generalized additive models and difference-in-differences approaches.
Main Results:
- Both acute (0-1 hour) and long-term exposure to extreme heat were associated with cognitive decline.
- A 10 percentage point increase in hours above 32°C over two years correlated with a 9.87% decrease in cognitive function.
- Subgroup analysis revealed an adaptation effect, with people in warmer areas showing less cognitive decline compared to those in cooler areas for the same heat exposure.
Conclusions:
- Extreme high temperatures significantly reduce cognitive function across multiple time scales.
- Findings underscore the importance of implementing protective strategies for cognitive health in a warming climate.
- The study provides crucial evidence for public health interventions related to heat exposure.
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