How Climate Change Threatens People with Brain Conditions
As the world grapples with the far-reaching impacts of climate change, a team of researchers from University College London (UCL) issues a stark warning: the health of individuals with neurological conditions is under imminent threat. In a groundbreaking Personal View article published in The Lancet Neurology, the team, led by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, underscores the urgent need to understand and address the profound implications of climate change on brain health.
Drawing from an extensive review of 332 papers spanning over five decades, the researchers highlight the potentially devastating effects of climate change on a spectrum of neurological conditions, including stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, they shed light on the impact of climate change on prevalent psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Professor Sisodiya emphasizes the multifaceted nature of climate-related impacts on brain health, citing evidence linking extremes of temperature, heatwaves, and temperature variations to adverse outcomes. Of particular concern are the heightened risks faced by individuals with dementia, whose cognitive impairment impairs their ability to adapt to environmental changes, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and other weather-related hazards.
Moreover, the researchers sound the alarm on the exacerbating effects of climate change on mental health disorders. They highlight the correlation between increased ambient temperatures, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events with elevated incidence, hospital admissions, and mortality rates for psychiatric disorders.
Crucially, the team underscores the need for updated research that not only reflects the current state of climate change but also anticipates future challenges. As global temperatures continue to rise and adverse weather events become more severe, populations face escalating environmental threats that may significantly impact brain health.
In response to these alarming findings, Professor Sisodiya calls for swift and decisive action. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing research that remains agile and dynamic in the face of evolving climate conditions. Additionally, he stresses the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on brain health, including strategies to address climate anxiety and its intersection with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The publication of this groundbreaking article coincides with The Hot Brain 2: Climate Change and Brain Health event, a collaborative initiative led by Professor Sisodiya and jointly organized by UCL and The Lancet Neurology. The event aims to raise awareness, foster global research collaboration, and catalyze action to safeguard brain health in the face of climate change.
