Climate change threatens brain health, neurological conditions to worsen

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Researchers found increased hospital admissions, disability, and mortality related to strokes during heatwaves or in higher ambient temperatures.

Scientists examined the impact of climate change on common psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. (Photo: Getty)

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 17, 2024 13:10 IST

A team of researchers led by University College London (UCL) has issued a stark warning about the negative impact of climate change on individuals with brain conditions.

In a personal View article, published in The Lancet Neurology, the team highlighted the urgent need to understand and address these effects to protect neural health as extreme weather event become intense and frequent.

The team, spearheaded by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, reviewed 332 studies from 1968 to 2023. They focused on 19 neurological conditions identified in the Global Burden of Disease 2016 study, such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. As climate change intensifies, populations are exposed to more severe environmental factors. (Photo: Representative/Getty)

They also examined the impact of climate change on common psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

"There is clear evidence that climate impacts some brain conditions, especially stroke and nervous system infections," said Professor Sisodiya. He noted that extreme temperatures, both high and low, and significant daily temperature variations are particularly harmful. Higher nighttime temperatures can disrupt sleep, worsening various brain conditions.

The researchers found increased hospital admissions, disability, and mortality related to strokes during heatwaves or in higher ambient temperatures. People with dementia are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, flooding, and wildfires, due to cognitive impairments that limit their ability to adapt.

This vulnerability is exacerbated by factors like frailty, multiple health conditions, and medications.

The study also showed that extreme temperatures and daily temperature fluctuations are linked to higher incidence, hospital admissions, and mortality risk for many mental health disorders.

As climate change intensifies, populations are exposed to more severe environmental factors that can affect brain health. The researchers emphasize the need for ongoing research to understand current and future impacts of climate change on brain health. The team focused on 19 neurological conditions identified in the Global Burden of Disease 2016 study. (Photo: AFP)

"This work is happening amid worsening climatic conditions, and it needs to be agile and dynamic to provide useful information," said Professor Sisodiya. He pointed out the lack of studies on the future health consequences of brain diseases under changing climate scenarios, which makes planning difficult.

Additionally, climate anxiety is a growing concern, as many brain conditions are linked to higher risks of psychiatric disorders. This multimorbidity can complicate the impacts of climate change and the necessary adaptations to protect health.

Published By:

Sibu Kumar Tripathi

Published On:

May 17, 2024