Harvard-affiliated scientists have uncovered a crucial link between indoor temperature and brain health, identifying the ideal thermostat range to protect cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
Their findings, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, reveal that maintaining minimum house temperatures between 20°C to 24°C may play a significant role in preserving brain health as we age. Meanwhile, allowing the thermostat to dip lower than 20°C regularly could spark mental decline.
We look into the research and reveal why house temperature can play such a big role in determining brain health.
How the study was conducted
The year-long study, conducted by researchers at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, tracked 47 adults aged 65 and older.
Participants had temperature sensors installed in their most frequented rooms, which monitored indoor conditions 24/7. The researchers also asked participants to complete regular questionnaires reporting on their ability to concentrate and maintain attention.
The majority of participants were women, who are disproportionately affected by dementia, with an average age of 79. By comparing temperature data with self-reported attention difficulties, the study provided key insights into how environmental factors influence cognitive health.
The link between house temperature and brain function
The study revealed that older adults living in homes with ambient temperatures between 20°C and 24°C experienced the least difficulty concentrating. However, cognitive risks doubled when indoor temperatures shifted by just 4°C in either direction outside this range.
In colder homes, reduced blood flow to the brain due to constricted blood vessels increases the risk of dementia. Over time, the body’s cells work harder to maintain core temperature, 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.
“These findings show that maintaining an ideal indoor temperature is vital for older adults’ cognitive health,” said Dr Amir Baniassadi, the study’s lead author and a brain health expert.
What this means for brain health and the future
The implications of the research extend beyond individual health, underscoring the need for public health initiatives and housing policies.
As global temperatures rise, low-income and underserved older adults may be especially vulnerable to temperature-related cognitive risks. The researchers emphasise the importance of climate-resilient housing and access to heating control technology to mitigate these challenges.
This study builds on existing research linking optimal indoor temperatures to better sleep, which is critical for brain health and dementia prevention. 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 alike.
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.
