Dr Xiang Ren Tan (National University of Singapore)

The brain is particularly susceptible to heat stress. Research demonstrates that both the structure and function of the human brain can be compromised by exposure to elevated temperatures, associated with declines in physical performance, cognitive ability, and mental well-being – even a 1°C rise in ambient temperature has been linked to a greater likelihood of depression and anxiety.

This presentation reviews current evidence on the effects of heat stress on brain function, discusses proposed mechanisms of impairment, addresses the implications for mental health, and outlines potential strategies for enhancing heat resilience in a warming world.