Researchers from University College London (UCL) have identified significant links between climate change and the exacerbation of neurological conditions. Reviewing 332 studies published globally between 1968 and 2023, the team, led by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, assessed the impact of extreme weather and temperature variations on 19 nervous system conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, as well as psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
The findings highlighted that extreme temperatures and unusual temperature variations significantly affect brain health, particularly conditions like stroke and nervous system infections. Higher nighttime temperatures disrupting sleep were noted as a specific concern. The research indicated increased hospital admissions, disability, and mortality due to strokes during heatwaves, and pointed out the heightened vulnerability of dementia patients to extreme weather events like flooding and wildfires due to their impaired adaptability.
Published in The Lancet Neurology, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing research considering the future trajectory of climate change and its potential neurological impacts. The research was funded by the Epilepsy Society and the National Brain Appeal Innovation Fund and precedes The Hot Brain 2: climate change and brain health event organized by UCL and The Lancet Neurology.