Climate change caused by rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and changing ecosystems has far-reaching impacts on human health, including neurological disorders. As our climate continues to change, its effects on neurological health are understandably becoming increasingly severe.

Climate change could exacerbate neurological disorders or create new risks to brain health:

effect of heatwave

One of the most direct impacts of climate change is the increase in frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

• Worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS): According to Dr. Atul Prasad, Vice President and HOD, Neurology, BLK – Max Super Specialty Hospital, people suffering from MS are particularly sensitive to heat. Rising global temperatures could increase MS symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and cognitive problems (a phenomenon known as the Uthoff phenomenon).

• Risk of stroke: Dr. Prasad explains that high temperatures and dehydration increase the risk of thrombotic events, potentially increasing stroke rates.

• Neurodegenerative diseases: Prolonged exposure to heat may worsen symptoms such as fatigue and decreased motor performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Air pollution and neurotoxicity

Climate change often leads to increased levels of air pollution, as warmer temperatures can accelerate photochemical reactions that produce pollutants such as ozone. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation and neurodegeneration.

• Cognitive decline and dementia: Dr. Prasad says increased exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other air pollutants due to industrial emissions can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Neurodevelopmental disorders: According to Dr. Prasad, children exposed to polluted environments may experience higher rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Parkinson’s disease: They say that chronic exposure to air pollutants, especially those containing heavy metals, increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

As the climate warms, the geographic ranges of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks expand, increasing the incidence of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Dr. Prasad explains that the ticks that spread Lyme disease are expanding their habitat, due to which cases of neuroborreliosis are increasing. These diseases can lead to neurological symptoms and complications, including encephalitis and meningitis, which can have lasting effects on cognitive and motor functions.

Dr. Prasad explains that climate change affects crop yields, potentially leading to malnutrition. Deficiency of essential nutrients like iodine, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids can impair brain development and increase neurological disorders.

Dr. Prasad says, climate change is affecting food and water security, which may also pose a risk of neurotoxic contaminants in food and water supplies.

• Climate anxiety: Long-term worry about climate change can affect mental health, leading to depression and anxiety disorders, which can also include neurological symptoms, says Dr. Prasad.

• Sleep disorders: Rising night temperatures disrupt sleep, increasing the risk of cognitive impairment and neurological problems. Dr. Prasad says chronic stress is a known risk factor for neurological disorders, which affect learning, memory and emotional regulation.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Dr. Prasad explains that hurricanes, floods and other extreme weather events can lead to an increase in head injuries.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): According to Dr. Prasad, survivors of climate disasters often experience PTSD and other stress-related neurological disorders.

• Loss of access to neurological care: Disasters can disrupt health services, delaying treatment for stroke, epilepsy, or other acute neurological conditions, Dr. Prasad highlighted.

Addressing the neurological impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted approach, including improving air quality, enhancing health care systems, and promoting public awareness of the risks associated with climate change. Dr. Atul Prasad says research on climate-resilient health care practices and policies is necessary to mitigate these adverse effects.

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