A powerful new short film, from the Futureeurro Research Ireland Center and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, sheds light on the urgent need to tackle the impact of climate change on the health of the brain.
Produced in collaboration with the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) Climate Change Commission, the film calls for urgent action to tackle the risks set by rising worldwide temperatures for people who live with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
The film contains leading experts, including Professor David Henshall, director of Futureneuro and professor of molecular physiology and neuroscience at RCSI. It also strengthens the voices of individuals who live with neurological disorders that share the experiences of navigating them by a changing climate.
Climate change and health of the brain
Climate change stimulates long -term shifts in global temperatures, with widespread implications for human health. More than three billion people worldwide are influenced by neurological disorders. Rising research indicates that rising temperatures can increase the application frequency, aggravate the symptoms and influence brain function, especially for people with temperature -sensitive conditions such as Dravet syndrome.
Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, Professor Neurology at the UCL and chairman of the Ilae Climate Change Commission, said: “The brain is the key to our reaction to challenges of our environment and many parts of the brain are sensitive to the temperature with which they have to work. As a result, if the brain is already influenced by diseases, this can be more vulnerable to the challenges of the effects of climate change. As climate change continues to deteriorate, it is essential that we pay attention to its effects on people with neurological disorders around the world. “
A call for research and action
Walking research deepens our understanding of the connection with the brain climate, but critical gaps remain. Scientists use advanced imaging aids to follow fluctuations of the brain temperature and to investigate how heat stress influences neural activity. AI-driven predictive models identify risk populations and forms targeted interventions.
Professor David Henshall said: “New imaging and genetic technologies enable us to find out more about the temperature control systems of the brain and how this is changed to circumstances such as epilepsy. Insight into these mechanisms can open the door to new treatments or preventive strategies, reducing the impact of heating red.“
The Ilae Climate Change Commission is leading initiatives to promote sustainability in neurological research, argue for policy reforms and to collaborate with global health organizations. In the meantime, Green Labs initiatives are working in Ireland, including those at RCSI to reduce the footprint of the environment of neuroscientific research by minimizing plastic waste and energy consumption.
Tackling the intersection of climate change and brain health requires a coordinated response with multiple sector.
Climate change is one of the most urgent global health problems of our time, and its impact on people with epilepsy and other neurological disorders is becoming increasingly clear. Thanks to the work of the ILAE Climate Change Commission, we are committed to understanding these emerging risks and supporting research, consciousness and action. This film is a powerful step in the direction of the sturdy in the climate conversation. “
J. Helen Cross, president of Ilaae
Living with neurological disorders in a changing climate
The film also draws attention to the daily struggles of individuals who deal with climate -related neurological challenges. Extreme temperatures can mean self -imposed insulation. Emma Campbell, a parent of a teenager with epilepsy, explains: “As soon as the temperatures rise, we start to live as Hermits, we close the windows, close the jealousies, they even close where it is cool where it is to live. Medical disorders.”
For those at vulnerable locations, climate change connects existing challenges. Extreme weather conditions can disrupt medical supply chains, damage cold storage drugs and prevent access to healthcare. Diseases transferred by mosquitoes that can activate neurological disorders appear in regions that are previously unaffected.
Dr. Stephen Blenkinsop, senior lecturer climate and climate change, school of engineering, Newcastle University, said: “The evidence of human influence on our climate is unambiguous. Warmer temperatures have a wide range of effects on human health, from direct heat to indirect effects to indirect effects for indirect effects.
The message of the film is clear: everything is connected and everyone plays a role. By increasing awareness, stimulating policy change and promoting research, we can ensure that those who live with neurological disorders do not lag behind in the fight against climate change.