Work

Colder Climates and Dementia: An Ecological Analysis of Climate‐Patterned Temperature's Influence on Neurological Health

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Countries with lower climate-patterned temperatures (Tcp), typically colder, have not been consistently correlated with higher dementia risk in population studies. This study explores Tcp's influence on global and regional dementia rates. Country-specific Tcp data was analyzed alongside dementia incidence using bivariate analysis, partial correlation, and multiple linear regression. Factors like life expectancy (Life e(0)), economic affluence, genetic predisposition (Biological State Index), and urbanization were considered. Both Pearson's r and nonparametric tests revealed a significant inverse correlation between Tcp and dementia incidence, holding true even after adjusting for life expectancy, affluence, genetic predisposition, and urbanization. Multiple linear regression identified Tcp as a key predictor of dementia incidence, ranking second after life expectancy. Affluence, genetic predisposition, and urbanization did not significantly predict dementia rates. Tcp's predictive power was consistent across different country groups, with minor correlation variations between developing versus developed countries and LMICs versus high-income nations. Countries with colder climate (lower Tcp) may experience higher dementia rates, a correlation robust across major risk factors. Including Tcp in dementia studies is crucial for understanding its public health implications.

Source: Nursing and Health Sciences

DOI: 10.1111/nhs.70012

Author: Wenpeng You

Institutions: The University of Adelaide, Western Sydney University

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: University of Washington, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation