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

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 2 sources: the Health, Aging and Retirement in Thailand (HART) survey and the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT). The 2 datasets were matched to estimate the short- and long-term effects of TC exposure on cognition using a fixed-effects model. Cognition of older adults was assessed along 3 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 4 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 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.