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Heat Waves Linked To Impacts On Mental Function

Global warming is expected to have severe consequences for individuals with degenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have highlighted that heat waves driven by climate change will worsen the symptoms of these conditions, increasing the risk of death and hospitalization for affected individuals. These findings were recently published in JAMA Neurology.

Previous studies have shown that for every 1-degree Fahrenheit increase over 93 degrees, deaths and hospitalizations linked to Parkinson’s disease rise by more than 10%. “These deaths are preventable, and doctors can play a critical role,” said Dr. Indu Subramanian, lead researcher and neurologist at UCLA Health.

As 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous high set in 2023, the growing frequency of extreme heat events is raising concerns, particularly for those with brain disorders. People with these conditions are more vulnerable to heat-related health problems, as degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature and manage basic functions.

Parkinson’s disease, for example, can impair the body’s ability to sweat, which prevents effective cooling during hot weather and raises the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and fainting. Additionally, medications used to treat these conditions can further hinder the body’s cooling mechanisms.

Dr. Subramanian emphasized that many individuals suffering from degenerative brain disorders may not fully understand the risks of heat exposure, as they are often socially isolated. “I was surprised by how many patients rely on their healthcare providers as their main connection to the outside world,” she said. This highlights the importance of doctors regularly screening patients for social isolation and connecting them to resources that can help protect them during extreme heat events.

Telemedicine, for example, could be a valuable tool for healthcare providers to check in with high-risk patients and ensure they are taking precautions during heat waves. As Dr. Subramanian concluded, proactive measures can help prevent deaths from heat exposure among people with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.