Temperature-related climate change impacts on neurodegenerative diseases

systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Neurodegenerative diseases have been increasing in incidence, and it is interesting to monitor the possible relationship with environmental conditions. Methods: This Systematic Review aims to elucidate these associations through comprehensive searches of databases, such as PubMed Central, Medline, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Scopus, LIVIVO, Web of Science, and Embase, in addition to grey literature. Results: From 965 papers initially identified, eight met the eligibility criteria and were evaluated for risk of bias using Cochrane’s ROBINS-E tool. Despite methodological diversity among the studies, the collective evidence indicates that exposure to extreme temperature events, particularly heat waves, may aggravate clinical outcomes in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms proposed, though not yet fully characterized, include enhanced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and,
in the context of cold exposure, alterations in Tau protein phosphorylation. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the sensitivity of the nervous system to environmental stressors and suggest the necessity for further robust, longitudinal research to clarify causal pathways. Moreover, these signal the need for integrated public health strategies in order to mitigate the neurological impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable populations.