Reis J, Buguet A, Radomski M, Stella AB, Vásquez TC, Spencer PS. Neurological patients confronting climate change: A potential role for the glymphatic system and sleep.
J Neurol Sci 2024;
458:122900. [PMID:
38310733 DOI:
10.1016/j.jns.2024.122900]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Interest in the health consequences of climate change (global warming, heatwaves) has increased in the neurological community. This review addresses the impact of elevated ambient temperatures and heatwaves on patients with neurological and mental health disorders, including multiple sclerosis, synucleinopathies, dementia, epilepsies, mental health, and stroke. Patients with such conditions are highly vulnerable during heatwaves because of functional disorders affecting sleep, thermoregulation, autonomic system reactivity, mood, and cognitive ability. Several medications may also increase the risk of heatstroke. Special attention is devoted to the involvement of common underlying mechanisms, such as sleep and the glymphatic system. Disease prevention and patient care during heatwaves are major issues for caregivers. Beyond the usual recommendations for individuals, we favor artificially induced acclimation to heat, which provides preventive benefits with proven efficacy for healthy adults.
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