Climate change-driven heat waves are a significant threat to individuals with brain diseases, increasing the likelihood of severe health complications and death. This article highlights the vulnerabilities of these patients due to their medical conditions and social isolation, emphasizing the need for proactive measures by healthcare professionals.
Heat waves caused by climate change will worsen the symptoms of people with brain diseases, increasing their risk of death, researchers reported recently. For example, deaths and hospitalizations related to Parkinson's increased more than 10% for every increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit over a threshold of 93 degrees, earlier research has established. 2024 is set to end as Earth's hottest year on record, breaking the previous record set in 2023, researchers said.
People suffering from degenerative brain diseases are particularly vulnerable to health problems caused by extreme heat waves. For example, the impact of Parkinson's on the body's ability to regulate its automatic functions increases the risk of overheating, and other brain conditions can also compromise a person's ability to sweat, making them more likely to overheat. What's more, medications that people take for these brain disorders can interfere with the body's ability to cool itself off. According to Subramanian, these at-risk patients are less likely to know about the risk that heat poses because they tend to be socially isolated. “I was surprised how many patients view us docs or health care providers as their only touch point with the world outside their house,” Subramanian said. Doctors need to start regularly screening these patients for social isolation, and connect them to resources that can protect them during heat waves, Subramanian emphasized. For example, telemedicine can give doctors a chance to check in on high-risk patients and make sure they're taking steps to protect themselves from the heat. “People with Parkinson's disease and dementias are at risk for dying in heat waves and we can be proactive about preventing this,” Subramanian concluded
HEATWAVES BRAINDISEASES PARKINSONS CLIMATECHANGE HEALTHRISKS
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