Extreme heat affects the brain: Here is a way to protect your cognitive health

The summer heat has devastated the United States, with warnings emitted on the east coast and in the middle west.

In addition to stressing the body, hot climate can also affect the brain and mental health.

Dr. Jace Reed, director of Emergency Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai de Los Angeles Hospital, emphasized in an interview with Fox News Digital that the brain is an important organ that can be very affected by heat.

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Extreme heat can cause mental health changes as greater irritability and anxiety, along with a decrease in memory, attention and reaction time.

This can affect daily interactions in a social and professional way, the expert warned.

“You may be slower to complete your task or remember what someone told you,” Fox News Digital told. “These can be initial signs that the heat affects your brain and your mental capabilities.”

Symptoms such as extreme confusion could mark the beginning of a heat stroke, which could require hospitalization, warned the psychiatrist.

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In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Thea Gallagher, Doctor of Psychology and director of Welfare Programs at Nyu Langone Health, said that when the body is over heating, he struggles to regulate internal balance.

This can lead to a sleepy sleep, fatigue and concentration, as well as a damaged cognitive function, slow reaction times and decision -making struggles.

The heat can also increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, added Gallagher, which can damage neurons, worsening existing neurological conditions, and increase stroke risk.

“Exposure to heat can trigger an inflammatory response to the brain,” he said. “In cases like heat stroke, inflammation is believed to contribute to symptoms such as confusion and delirium.”

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According to the expert, excessive heat can also weaken the protective barrier of the blood brain, which makes the brain more vulnerable to toxins and pathogens.

Higher temperatures are also associated with mood and violent behavior, especially during prolonged heat waves.

Gallagher confirmed psychiatric emergency visits to anxiety, depression, and substances consumption also significantly increase the hottest days.

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Here are some of the main mental symptoms that can worse in hot times, experts warned.

• Irritability, anxiety or mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Increased impulsivity or aggression
• Worsening psychiatric symptoms such as depression or psychosis
• Confusion or delirium, especially during the heat stroke

People suffering from mental health such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety or even dementia are more vulnerable in heat.

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Some psychiatric medicines could make it difficult for the body to regulate or maintain -Gallagher pointed out, while heat can “intensify” symptoms such as agitation or paranoia.

“People with cognitive deficiencies may not recognize signs of overheating,” he added.

“Some SSRI (selective inhibitors of serotonin collection) can suppress sweat production, which is the main refrigeration mechanism of the body. This increases the risk of overheating, dehydration and even heat.”

“Paradoxically, SSRI can also cause excessive sweating in some individuals, a side effect known as” SSRI sweat, “he continued.” Although this may seem that it would help to cool -it can cause dehydration if the fluid intake is not kept up to date. “

Protect brain health

Experts recommended the following practices for protecting extreme heat health.

• Keeping -being hydrated as dehydration worsens cognitive decrease
• Avoid maximum heat hours; Keep —ye inside or shaded areas 11 to 16 hours
• Use fans, air conditioning or fresh showers
• Use off off curtains and cooling bedding to ensure sleep
• Ask your doctor if any medicine can increase the sensitivity to heat
• Use deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage the stress induced by heat
• Maintaining -S socially connected; Make a record with friends and family

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“The days are also longer and there are more activities that can be exhausting,” said Gallagher. “So it is good to prioritize sleep and rest … and [find] Ways to stop when you can. “”