Dementia patients hit harder by heatwaves, benefit from anti‑inflammatory diets

A study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress found that extreme heat raises emergency room visits for people with dementia by up to 20%, especially those aged 70‑90, and the effect can linger for three days after the heat event. The research, led by the Institute of Neurological Sciences in Bologna, analyzed nearly a decade of data from more than 13,600 patients and suggests that high temperatures may increase physiological stress and accelerate neurodegenerative mechanisms.

In a separate investigation published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute followed 1,865 adults over up to 15 years and reported that participants with elevated dementia‑related biomarkers who adhered to a low‑inflammatory diet had a 29% lower risk of developing dementia. The first author, Anja Mrhar, noted that “the dietary pattern with the lowest inflammatory potential showed the most consistent association with reduced dementia risk.” Both studies highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies for vulnerable older adults.