The effect of tropical cyclone on cognitive function in older adults: A longitudinal study from Thailand

Abstract

Background In the context of climate change, tropical cyclones (TCs) pose an escalating threat to human health. This study examined the effects of TCs on cognitive function of older adults in Thailand and explored underlying mechanisms. Methods Data came from two sources: the Health, Aging and Retirement in Thailand (HART) survey and Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT). The two datasets were matched to estimate the short- and long-term effects of TC exposure on cognition using fixed-effects model. Cognition of older adults was assessed along three dimensions: memory, calculation, and time orientation. Depression, hypertension, and social isolation were examined as potential underlying mechanisms. Results Analyses found that exposure to TCs had a persistent negative effect on the calculation dimension, while its effects on memory and time orientation were minimal or short-lived. Specifically, exposed individuals had significantly lower calculation scores compared to unexposed individuals on the day of exposure, and this negative effect persisted for up to four years. An increased likelihood of depression, exacerbation of existing hypertension, and reduced engagement in social activities were found to help explain the effects of TCs on cognition. Conclusions The study provided evidence of the detrimental effects of TCs on specific cognitive domains in older adults, identifying depression, exacerbation of hypertension, and social isolation identified as underlying mechanisms. The findings underscored the need for further research on the cognitive impact of TCs in the aging population, and the development of practice and policy interventions to mitigate these effects.