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Credit: Eoin Ryan (McMurray, C. (2025). » Building a climate neuroscience subfield: Q&A with Angie Michaiel. Thetransmitter.Org.https://www.thetransmitter.org/community/building-a-climate-neuroscience-subfield-qa-with-angie-michaiel/)
Extreme heat and brain health
Extreme heat and brain health
When we think of extreme heat, we often picture sweating and dehydration. However, have you ever thought about the affect rising temperatures has on your brain?
Our brains are especially sensitive to changes in temperature. Prolonged exposure to heat is likely to interfere with concentration, memory, cognitive ability, and emotional regulation.
(Picture credits to MIT Climate Portal)
Shanghai case study:
Shanghai case study:
(Picture credits to Reuters)
Researchers compared cognitive performance at varying temperatures. It was observed that overall cognitive performance decreased by 10% at 26°C. This displays how even temperatures that appear harmless, can affect brain function.
United States case study:
United States case study:
(Picture credits to NASA Science)
A study of 44 university students found that those living in non-air-conditioned dorms had slower reaction times and performed worse on cognitive tests.
Canadian case study:
Canadian case study:
(Picture credits to The Weather Network)
In June 2021, British Columbia experienced a record-breaking heat wave that caused 619 deaths. Many of the victims lived in homes without adequate cooling. This disaster highlights the need for better heat protection and public health readiness as extreme temperatures are becoming more consistant.
Heat and high temperatures often increase irritability, stress, anxiety, and fatigue. High heat can also disrupt sleep, which plays an important role in mood, memory, and concentration. When these factors are corrupted, the brain slowly begins deteriorating, as it is unable to process information and maintain a state of homeostasis.
Although the brain makes up only about 2% of our body weight, it uses ~20% of our body's energy. To function properly, it relies on a stable internal temperature and a constant supply of oxygen/nutrients. So, when extreme heat puts pressure on the body's cooling systems, maintaining these conditions becomes more and more challenging.
While extreme heat can affect anyone of any age, some populations face greater risk. Older adults, people with neurological or mental health conditions, and individuals exposed to prolonged heat may be especially vulnerable. Along with this, people without access to air conditioning or safe, cool spaces may also experience greater health risks. This raises a bigger concern underlining extreme heat as a detrimental reactant in both health and equity.
The heat is on... and so is the risk.
The heat is on... and so is the risk.
Extreme heat is a pressing concern that doesn't just affect our bodies, it affects our brains too. As temperatures rise, protecting our brain health is more important than ever.
Take action
Take action
Talk to your peers and SPREAD AWARENESS! You can do more than you think by simply researching and engaging with awareness posts. Ask questions and utilize support sites. The future is in our hands and it is up to us to ensure that we live to see it.
Resources for support, prepare yourself during and for upcoming extreme heat events:
Resources for support, prepare yourself during and for upcoming extreme heat events:
Canada, H. (2025). Extreme heat events: Related resources - Canada.Ca. Canada.Ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/related-resources.html
Canadian Red Cross. (2021). Heat waves. Red Cross Canada. https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/heat-waves
What to do during extreme heat. (2025). Https://Www.Calgary.Ca. https://www.calgary.ca/emergencies/extreme-heat.html
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