{"id":304934,"date":"2026-10-14T14:42:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T10:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/?p=304934"},"modified":"2026-10-14T15:02:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T11:02:13","slug":"euronews%d6%89-climate-change-and-air-pollution-threaten-the-brain-health-of-europeans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abcmedia.am\/en\/news\/304934\/","title":{"rendered":"Euronews\u0589 Climate change and air pollution threaten the brain health of Europeans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Neurological disorders, ranging from migraines to dementia and Parkinson’s disease, affect around one in three people over their lifetime, according to estimates cited by neurologist Ulf Kallweit. Combined with mental health conditions, they accounted for an estimated global economic burden of €1.5 trillion in 2019.<\/p>\n

As climate change drives temperatures higher, the situation could deteriorate further, he warned, worsening existing conditions and potentially increasing the risk of developing neurological disorders.<\/p>\n

But the trajectory is not inevitable. Policymakers can help limit the risks through measures that reduce exposure to heat and pollution and improve the environments in which people live.<\/p>\n

The number of stroke cases rises as temperatures climb above 30°C, Kallweit said, warning that heat-related strokes, which he said currently account for around 1% of all stroke cases, could represent 5 to 8% within the next 20 to 30 years.<\/p>\n

Heat can also affect brain health indirectly by disrupting sleep.<\/p>\n

Tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 20°C overnight, make it harder for the body to cool down. This can interfere with deep sleep and prevent people from recovering properly overnight.<\/p>\n

Rising temperatures are also changing the geographical range of some infectious diseases, including those transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. Some of these infections can affect the nervous system.<\/p>\n

Children, pregnant women, older people and those with pre-existing health conditions can be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and other environmental pressures.<\/p>\n

Urban environments are particularly important. Noise, pollution and stressful living conditions can all affect wellbeing, while access to green spaces may offer some protection.<\/p>\n

“Going out to the forest one hour per week decreases your stroke risk by 3% or dementia risk by 4%,” Kallweit said.<\/p>\n

Kallweit called for safeguards against pollution and toxic substances, as well as changes to the way buildings are designed.<\/p>\n

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