Summer heat can damage the brain function and worsen mental health, say experts

Summer heat has swept the United States, with warnings emitted on the East Coast and Midwest.

In addition to stress on the body, hot weather can also wreak havoc on the brain and mental health.

Dr. Jace Reed, director of emergency psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, underlined in an interview with Fox News Digital that the brain is a major organ that can be greatly affected by heat.

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Extreme heat can cause mental health changes such as increased irritability and anxiety, as well as a decrease in memory, attention and reaction time.

This can affect socially and professionally daily interactions, the expert warned.

Extreme heat can cause mental health changes such as increased irritability and anxiety, as well as a decrease in memory, attention and reaction time. (istock)

“You may be slower to finish your task or remember what someone has just told you,” he told Fox News Digital. “It can be early initial signs that heat affects your brain and mental capacities.”

Symptoms like extreme confusion could mark the start 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 wellness programs at Nyu Langone Health, noted that when the body overheats, it has trouble regulating internal balance.

This can lead to a disturbance of sleep, fatigue and poor concentration, as well as alteration of cognitive function, slow reaction times and struggles with decision -making.

Extreme heat can cause a slower cognitive function, as well as delays in reaction times and decision -making. (istock)

Heat can also increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, has added Gallagher, which can potentially damage neurons, worsen existing neurological conditions and increase the risk of stroke.

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

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Excessive heat can also weaken the protective-hero-encephalic barrier, according to the expert, which makes the brain more vulnerable to toxins and pathogens.

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

Emergency visits for mental health problems are increasing during the warmer days, according to experts. (istock)

Psychiatric emergency visits for anxiety, depression and consumption of substances also increase considerably on the warmest days, confirmed Gallagher.

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Here are some of the main mental symptoms that can worsen in hot weather, have warned experts.

• Irritability, anxiety or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Increase in impulsiveness or aggression
• Worsen psychiatric symptoms such as depression or psychosis
• Confusion or delirium, especially during heat stroke

People who suffer from mental health problems such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety or even dementia are more vulnerable in hot weather.

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Certain psychiatric drugs could make it difficult for the body to regulate the temperature or to remain hydrated, noted Gallagher, while heat can “intensify” symptoms such as agitation or paranoia.

“People with cognitive impairments may not recognize the signs of overheating,” she added.

It is important to have patience with yourself and others on hot days, advised a psychologist. (istock)

“Some SSRIs (selective inhibitors for recovering serotonin) may remove sweating production, which is the main body cooling mechanism.

“Paradoxically, SSRIs can also cause excessive sweating in some individuals-a side effect called” SSRI sweatshirts “,” she continued. “Although it may seem that it would help to cool, it can actually lead to dehydration if the consumption of liquid does not follow.”

Protect brain health

Experts recommended the following practices to protect brain health extreme heat.

• Stay hydrated, because dehydration aggravates the cognitive decline
• Avoid peak heat hours; Stay inside or in shaded areas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Use fans, air conditioning or cool showers
• Use failure curtains and coolant to ensure restful sleep
• Ask your doctor if medication can increase heat sensitivity
• Use deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage stress induced by heat
• Stay socially connected; Record yourself with friends and family

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“The days are also longer and there are more activities, which can be exhausting,” noted Gallagher. “Therefore, it is good to prioritize sleep and rest … and (find) means to slow down when you can.”