Rising temperatures and humidity aggravate conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s, researchers say

A new study has found that climate change is exacerbating symptoms of various brain diseases, including stroke, migraines, meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s. Conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), the review highlights the impact of rising temperatures and humidity on neurological conditions.

Our brains manage environmental challenges, such as higher temperatures and humidity, by triggering responses like sweating and seeking shade. Each neuron in the brain functions optimally within a narrow temperature range, meaning small increases in temperature or humidity can disrupt their performance. Humans, who evolved in Africa, are generally comfortable between 20˚C to 26˚C and 20% to 80% humidity. However, climate change is causing temperatures and humidity levels to move rapidly into ranges that challenge the brain’s ability to regulate body temperature.

Certain neurological diseases can already impair perspiration, essential for cooling the body, or the ability to sense overheating. Moreover, some medications for neurological and psychiatric conditions can further inhibit the body’s temperature-regulating mechanisms. These effects are intensified during heatwaves, which can disrupt sleep, worsen symptoms of conditions like epilepsy, and increase the risk of strokes due to dehydration and thicker blood.

The study emphasizes that climate change will significantly affect people with neurological diseases. Rising temperatures correlate with increased hospital admissions for dementia, worsened seizure control in epilepsy, and higher stroke incidence and mortality. Additionally, psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia see worsened symptoms and higher hospital admission rates during extreme weather events.

During the 2003 European heatwave, around 20% of excess deaths were among people with neurological conditions. Unseasonal temperature extremes, large daily temperature fluctuations, and adverse weather events like heatwaves and floods can all aggravate neurological conditions. Urban environments, which lack green spaces, can amplify the effects of heatwaves on neurological and psychiatric diseases.

The global impact of these findings is substantial. Approximately 60 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and about 55 million people have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. As the global population ages, the number of people with dementia is projected to exceed 150 million by 2050. Stroke remains the second-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability worldwide.

To mitigate these risks, the study advocates for comprehensive climate change action and tailored public health measures. Governments need to implement coordinated climate change mitigation strategies. In the interim, public health experts can provide tailored information about the risks of adverse weather events to people with neurological diseases. Local weather-health alert systems should be adapted to account for neurological conditions, and communities should be educated on how to reduce these risks.

If climate change is not integrated into neurological care, advancements in treatment may be undermined. Understanding how neurological diseases are affected by environmental changes can offer insights into potential impacts on healthy brains as they are pushed beyond evolutionary boundaries.

To maintain our quality of life, it is crucial to address climate change and its impact on brain health. Protecting our brains from the adverse effects of rising temperatures and humidity is essential for preserving our cognitive and physical well-being.

Analysis:

The UCL study linking climate change to worsening brain diseases underscores the intricate relationship between environmental factors and neurological health. This revelation has profound implications across various sectors, including healthcare, public policy, and environmental science.

From a healthcare perspective, the findings emphasize the need for integrating climate considerations into medical practice, particularly for patients with neurological conditions. Healthcare providers must educate patients and caregivers about the risks posed by extreme temperatures and offer strategies to mitigate these risks. This could include guidance on hydration, temperature regulation, and medication management during heatwaves. Additionally, healthcare systems should prepare for increased hospital admissions during extreme weather events, ensuring adequate resources and protocols are in place.

Economically, the exacerbation of neurological conditions due to climate change could lead to higher healthcare costs and economic burdens on families and healthcare systems. Increased hospitalizations, long-term care needs, and loss of productivity due to worsened symptoms can strain financial resources. Investing in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies could reduce these economic impacts by improving health outcomes and reducing the incidence of heat-related exacerbations of neurological conditions.

Sociologically, the study highlights the broader implications of climate change on vulnerable populations. People with neurological conditions often face social and physical challenges, and climate change exacerbates these difficulties. Communities must become more resilient by creating supportive environments that protect vulnerable individuals from extreme weather. Urban planning should prioritize green spaces, which can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide cooler environments for those at risk.

From an environmental policy standpoint, the study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. Governments and policymakers must implement robust climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. International cooperation is essential to achieve significant progress in mitigating climate change and protecting public health.

The findings also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Scientists, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to develop and implement strategies that address the multifaceted impacts of climate change on health. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions and policies that protect public health and promote environmental sustainability.

Finally, the study serves as a reminder of the broader consequences of climate change on human health. While much attention is given to physical health impacts such as heatstroke and respiratory issues, the effects on neurological health are equally significant. Raising awareness about these impacts can drive more comprehensive climate action and foster a greater sense of urgency in addressing the climate crisis.

In conclusion, the UCL study provides critical insights into the link between climate change and neurological health. It calls for immediate action to mitigate climate change and protect vulnerable populations. By integrating climate considerations into healthcare, policy, and community planning, we can reduce the adverse effects of rising temperatures on brain health and enhance our resilience to environmental changes.