United States: Global warming could actually make life harder for people with brain diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. 

Scientists say that heat waves, which are really getting stronger because of climate change, can make these brain disorders worse. This could lead to more health problems and increase the risk of death for these patients, according to a new study which is published in JAMA Neurology. 

Similarly, it has been found that the number of Parkinson’s deaths and hospitalizations rose more than 10 percent for every one-degree Fahrenheit above 93 F, prior studies have shown. 

“These deaths are preventable, and doctors can make a difference, “said UC’s lead researcher Dr Indu Subramanian, a neurologist with UCLA Health to the college’s news release.  

As reported by the HealthDay, 2024 is expected to bring an end as the hottest year recorded globally, surpassing the previous record that was recorded in 2023 according to researchers. 

Chronic brain diseases are also common among people with disabilities, and they do not cope well with extreme heat stress, researchers pointed out. 

For instance, because Parkinson’s alters automatic control of the bodily functions, it raises risks of dehydration, head stroke and fainting during high temperatures. 

Parkinson’s and other brain conditions also can impede the ability to sweat, increasing the risk of overheating, the researchers pointed out. 

Moreover, treatments that participants use for these chronic brain disorders can have part in antipyresis with the human organism. 

Explaining the reason why these groups of patients lack knowledge about the heat risk, Subramanian says that many of these patients lack social contacts and support. 

“I was surprised how many patients feel like we docs or health care providers are their only interface with the outside world other than their house,” Subramanian said. 

Prolonged heat may overwhelm those who are socially isolated, and doctors have to begin routinely offering these patients protection options during heat waves, conditioned Subramanian. 

For instance, when it comes to telemedicine it means docs get an opportunity to see high-risk patients and ensure they are doing something to protect them from heat. 

“Parkinson’s disease and dementias are potentially fatal in heat waves and there’s something that we can do about it,” Subramanian summarized.