Climate change is not only impacting our environment and physical health but also our brain health, as scientists warn that brain diseases are worsening as climate change intensifies. A recent review has highlighted that conditions like stroke, migraines, meningitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s can all be exacerbated by rising temperatures and humidity levels.
Our brains play a crucial role in adapting to environmental challenges, such as regulating body temperature and responding to changes in humidity. The intricate network of neurons in our brain functions like a complex computer system, with various components that are sensitive to temperature variations. These components are optimized to work within a specific temperature range, a range that humans have evolved to thrive in over millennia.
However, with the rapid shifts in temperature and humidity brought about by climate change, our brain’s ability to regulate temperature and function properly is compromised. Environmental conditions that are outside the norm can disrupt essential bodily functions like perspiration and thermal regulation, leading to malfunctions in the brain.
Furthermore, medications used to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions can further hinder the body’s ability to cope with extreme temperatures, exacerbating the impact of climate change on brain health. Heatwaves, in particular, can have detrimental effects on conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, making symptoms more severe and increasing the risk of complications.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the incidence of neurological diseases is expected to increase, leading to more hospital admissions and higher mortality rates. Dementia patients, individuals with epilepsy, and those with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change on brain health.
It is evident that climate change is not just a threat to the environment but also to our neurological well-being. As we grapple with the challenges of a changing climate, addressing the impact on brain diseases must be a priority to safeguard public health.
