Warmer night-time temperatures are linked to poorer associative memory performance

A study examined the impact of temperature on cognitive performance in 1,873 middle-aged and older adults (mean age 61 years) in Australia. Participants completed an online battery of 12 cognitive tests assessing memory, visuospatial processing, language, attention, and executive function. Results were compared with air temperature data from their locations. The research found that higher minimum night-time temperatures (not maximum daytime temperatures) were associated with poorer performance on the Paired Associates test, which measures associative memory. This relationship was observed when measuring absolute temperatures and when comparing to local seasonal norms. Temperature had no significant effect on other cognitive functions such as short-term memory, visuospatial processing, language, attention, or executive function. The findings suggest a specific relationship between higher night-time temperatures and poorer associative memory, rather than a general decline in cognitive abilities.