THE EFFECT OF TROPICAL CYCLONE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS - A LONGITUDINAL STUDY FROM THAILAND

Sep 29, 2026

Tropical cyclone exposure was assessed for its effects on cognitive function among older adults in Thailand, with attention to distinct cognitive domains and plausible mechanisms. Data integration used the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand (HART) survey and the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), analyzed via a fixed-effects model. Cognitive performance was measured across memory, calculation, and time orientation, alongside depression, hypertension, and social isolation as pathways. Results showed a significant long-lasting decline in calculation (persisting up to four years), with contributing factors including depression, worsened hypertension, and greater social isolation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Data sources and methods

Cognitive domains and pathways

Findings and implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 669 particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults. This study investigated the impact of TC exposure on cognitive function among older adults in Thailand, focusing on specific cognitive domains and exploring potential underlying mechanisms. Data were obtained from two key sources: the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand (HART) survey and the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) . These datasets were integrated to assess both the short-and long-term effects ofTC exposure using a fixed-effects model. Cognitive function was measured across three key dimensions: memory, calculation, and time orientation. Additionally, the study examined depression, hypertension, and social isolation as potential pathways through which TCs might affect cognitive health. The findings revealed that exposure to TCs had a significant and lasting negative impact on the calculation dimension of cognition, whereas the effects on memory and time orientation were either absent or short-lived. Specifically, individuals exposed to TCs demonstrated significantly lower calculation scores on the day of exposure, and this decline persisted for up to four years post-exposure. Further analyses suggested that depression, exacerbation of hypertension, and increased social isolation were contributing factors to this cognitive decline. These findings underscore the long-term cognitive risks associated with extreme weather events and highlight the need for targeted public health interventions. Policies and practices to mitigate the cognitive impact of TCs among older adults, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions are needed. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2283 THE EFFECT OF TROPICAL CYCLONE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY FROM THAILAND Fei Sun1, Jin Ke2, and Phatchanun Vivarakanon3, 1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 2. Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (People’s Republic), 3. Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon, Lampang, Thailand In the context of climate change, tropical cyclones (TCs) represent an increasingly severe threat to human health,

FAQs

Which cognitive domain showed a lasting impact from tropical cyclone exposure?

Exposure produced a significant and lasting negative effect on the calculation dimension of cognition.

What datasets were integrated to evaluate tropical cyclone exposure effects?

The study integrated the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand (HART) survey with the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT).

How long did the decline in calculation scores persist after exposure?

The decline persisted for up to four years post-exposure.

Sep 29, 2026

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