Impact of Rising Temperatures on Hospital Admissions, Hospitalization, and Mortality Related to Dementia: A Narrative Review

Introduction and purpose: Climate change is a major public health challenge, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with dementia. With global warming, understanding the relationship between high temperatures and health outcomes, such as mortality, hospital admissions, and hospitalizations due to dementia, becomes increasingly important. This narrative review aims to collect and analyze existing evidence on the impact of rising temperatures on dementia. Methods: This narrative review study was conducted using the SANRA checklist. Key terms, including "dementia," "temperature," and their equivalents, were searched in databases, such as PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, without time restrictions. Screening was also performed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and study objectives. Results: Evidence suggests that rising temperatures are associated with increased mortality, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits, especially among the elderly. In addition, exposure to heat during both day and night significantly increases the risk of dementia-related mortality. In fact, both extreme heat events and continuous exposure to high temperatures adversely affect the health of people with dementia. Conclusion: Given the direct relationship between rising temperatures and dementia, it is imperative that policymakers take necessary steps to protect the elderly from the dangers posed by rising temperatures. These measures can not only reduce healthcare costs but also improve the quality of life for older adults.