A team of researchers led by UCL highlights the significant threat climate change poses to individuals with neurological conditions. Their findings, published in The Lancet Neurology, stress the urgent need to comprehend climate change’s impact on brain health to mitigate potential harm and address existing inequalities.
After reviewing 332 papers spanning from 1968 to 2023, focusing on 19 neurological conditions and common psychiatric disorders, the team, led by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, Director of Genomics at the Epilepsy Society, underscored the substantial anticipated effects of climate change on brain diseases.
Their analysis revealed that climatic variations, particularly extremes of temperature and temperature fluctuations, significantly impact neurological conditions such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy. Moreover, individuals with dementia face heightened risks from heat-related illnesses or hypothermia during extreme weather events.
The researchers note an increase in stroke admissions, disability, or mortality during heatwaves, emphasizing the vulnerability of individuals with cognitive impairments to environmental changes.
Furthermore, they highlight the association between increased ambient temperature and mental health disorders, emphasizing the need for updated research considering both current and future climate scenarios.
Professor Sisodiya stresses the importance of remaining agile in research efforts amid worsening climatic conditions, particularly in estimating future health consequences and addressing the rising prevalence of climate anxiety. He emphasizes the need for immediate action to preserve brain health amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
