Neurological disorders vis-à-vis climate change

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Climate change presents significant global health challenges, with global warming and air pollution as key sequelae.
• These environmental factors are increasingly linked to adverse neurological outcomes, affecting millions worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between global warming, air pollution, and neurological disorders, specifically stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations and inform future public health policies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on climate change impacts on neurological health.
• Analysis of epidemiological data and mechanistic studies linking environmental factors to neurological conditions.

Main Results:

• Extreme temperatures increase stroke incidence and mortality; global warming exacerbates dementia, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Parkinson's Disease (PD) symptoms.
• Air pollution, particularly particulate matter, is strongly linked to ischemic stroke and increased risk of dementia and AD, but not PD.
• Shared mechanisms include oxidative stress, altered hemodynamics, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation.

Conclusions:

• Climate change, through global warming and air pollution, poses a significant threat to neurological health.
• Integrated strategies addressing both global warming and air pollution are crucial for mitigating neurological disorder risks.