The heat waves weaken our brain, here is how

Cognition disruptor

As soon as temperatures rise, our concentration, memory, problem solving capacities and mental flexibility are altered. Studies suggest that from around 26 ° C, cognitive performance is already starting to decline, probably in connection with a drop in blood oxygenation and parasympathetic activity. Neuro-technical experiments have shown a progressive deterioration of the awareness of the situation and working memory in very hot environments explaining why even simple tasks become risky in these conditions.

Disturbed sleep

The night heat melts restful sleep. Sleep is essential to the proper functioning of the brain: its absence or low quality leads to increased irritability, a lack of concentration, even to memory disorders. In bipolar people, non -restorative hot nights increase the risk of handling crises. Serotonin, the main mood regulator and aggressiveness, is directly involved. Researchers have observed that in heat, the transmission of serotonin at the cerebral level is altered, which can promote irritability, violence or depression, especially in people already fragile or vulnerable.

Long -term effects

Repeated exposure to high temperatures and pollution (such as fine particles or ozone from SMOG or forest fires) is now associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinson disease or dementia. Animal experiments have shown that even 15 minutes per day of prolonged heat are enough to activate molecular pathways linked to these diseases. Dementia hospitalizations increase during periods of extreme heat. Repeated exposure also makes the symptoms more severe in people already affected. It is therefore important to have a lot, to stay in the fridge, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Increased research

While climate change is recognized as a real threat to public health, the neurological dimension remains little studied. Strengthening research in climate neuroepidemiology is urgent to prevent these risks from being translated into a systemic mental crisis. Heat waves are now much more than discomfort: they disrupt the functioning of the brain. Heat should be considered as a risk factor for mental health, in the same way as air or polluted water or natural disasters. Adapting environments, strengthening social nets, disseminating good practices and encouraging research are all ways to protect our brain in an increasingly hot world.

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