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Weather Woes? Exploring Potential Links between Precipitation and Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Finlay

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA)

  • Anam Khan

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
    School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Carina Gronlund

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA)

  • Ketlyne Sol

    (Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Joy Jang

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA)

  • Robert Melendez

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA)

  • Suzanne Judd

    (School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA)

  • Philippa Clarke

    (Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
    School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

Abstract

Rain, snow, or ice may discourage older adults from leaving their homes with potential consequences for social isolation, decreased physical activity, and cognitive decline. This study is the first to examine potential links between annual precipitation exposure and cognitive function in a large population-based cohort of older Americans. We examined the association between precipitation (percent of days with snow or rain in the past year) and cognitive function in 25,320 individuals aged 45+ from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study. Linear mixed models assessed the relationship between precipitation and cognitive function, as well as rates of change in cognitive function with age. We found a non-linear relationship between precipitation and cognitive function. Compared to those exposed to infrequent precipitation (less than 20% of days with rain/snow in the past year), cognitive function was higher among older adults experiencing moderately frequent precipitation (20–40% of annual days with precipitation). However, beyond more than about 45% of days with precipitation in the past year, there was a negative association between precipitation and cognitive function, with faster rates of cognitive decline with age. These exploratory findings motivate further research to better understand the complex role of precipitation for late-life cognitive function.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Finlay & Anam Khan & Carina Gronlund & Ketlyne Sol & Joy Jang & Robert Melendez & Suzanne Judd & Philippa Clarke, 2020. "Weather Woes? Exploring Potential Links between Precipitation and Age-Related Cognitive Decline," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:9011-:d:455626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Besser, Lilah M. & Rodriguez, Daniel A. & McDonald, Noreen & Kukull, Walter A. & Fitzpatrick, Annette L. & Rapp, Stephen R. & Seeman, Teresa, 2018. "Neighborhood built environment and cognition in non-demented older adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 27-35.
    2. Sanna ReadPhD & Adelina Comas-Herrera & Emily Grundy & Marcus Schafer, 2020. "Social Isolation and Memory Decline in Later-life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(2), pages 367-376.
    3. Clarke, P.J. & Yan, T. & Keusch, F. & Gallagher, N.A., 2015. "The impact of weather on mobility and participation in older US adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(7), pages 1489-1494.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuehong Qiu & Kaigong Wei & Lijun Zhu & Dan Wu & Can Jiao, 2021. "The Association of Meteorological Factors with Cognitive Function in Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Yuehong Qiu & Zeming Deng & Chujuan Jiang & Kaigong Wei & Lijun Zhu & Jieting Zhang & Can Jiao, 2022. "The Associations of Meteorological and Environmental Factors with Memory Function of the Older Age in Urban Areas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, April.

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