A new film from a team of neurology organisations is calling for urgent action on climate change which is putting our brain health at risk.
FutureNeuro Research Ireland Centre and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences in collaboration with the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) produced the 16-minute film.
The film, narrated by Edith Bowman, highlights the problems climate change is causing in neurological conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
It discusses emerging research which shows that rising temperatures can increase seizure frequency, make symptoms worse and affect brain function. This is especially a factor for people whose epilepsy makes them sensitive to high temperatures, like those with Dravet syndrome.
Additionally, climate change can also affect health conditions indirectly. The film shares that extreme weather can disrupt medical supply chains, affect medications which need to be stored in cold conditions and stop people from being able to access healthcare.
“Unequivocal evidence”
The film features comment from a number of experts, including Prof David Henshall, professor of Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience at RCSI, and Prof Sanjay Sisodiya, professor of Neurology at UCL and Chair of the ILAE Climate Change Commission.
Prof Sisodiya said: “As climate change continues to worsen, it is essential that we pay attention to its effects on people with neurological conditions all around the world.”
Dr Stephen Blenkinsop, senior lecturer in Climate and Climate Change at Newcastle University, said: “The evidence for human influence on our climate is unequivocal.
“Warmer temperatures are having a wide range of effects on human health, from direct heat-related illnesses to indirect effects through access to food and water.
“The greatest impacts will fall on vulnerable people who already live with health conditions.”
The RCSI and ILAE are doing work to reduce their environmental footprints and promote sustainability in neurological research.
The team want the film to support their efforts in raising awareness, driving policy change and encouraging further research in the field.
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