How can climate change impact brain health?

Burcin Ikiz, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and the founder and director of EcoNeuro, a research initiative dedicated to advancing global health by exploring the intersection of climate change and neuroscience. Her work focuses on understanding the negative impact of climate change on brain health, especially in children. She writes the “Connecting Neurons” blog on Psychology Today.

In this interview Burcin Ikiz (EcoNeuro) speaks to Jade Parker (Editor of Neuro Central) about how motherhood and mentoring have shaped her career and furthered her passion for neuroscience research.

What motivated you to pursue a career in neuroscience, and how have you overcome challenges along the way?

My fascination with neuroscience began during my college years, sparked by an extraordinary lecture from Robert Sapolsky (Stanford University, CA, USA), an incredible neuroscientist and science communicator, in my introductory biology course. His vivid explanations of neuronal communication and its impact on our physiology and behavior captivated me. I still remember the moment I left his class and sat on a bench, mesmerized by the knowledge I had just absorbed. It was at that moment I realized my career was destined to be in neuroscience. I was lucky to find mentors who let me work in their research labs. These experiences deepened my passion for the field. But my direction became clear after meeting a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Understanding the disease from their perspective transformed my approach to neuroscience. I shifted my focus from purely academic research to translational neuroscience, aiming to develop cures for incurable brain diseases. This shift brought a new depth of meaning to my work.

Another big change in my career came with becoming a mother. Motherhood not only enriched my perspective as a neuroscientist but also encouraged me to explore diverse professional avenues. I ventured into consulting for biotech startups, engaging with non-profit organizations, and developing innovative tools and technologies to aid researchers and patients battling brain diseases. My children also ignited my interest in the intersection of brain health and climate change, which has grown into a key area of focus for me.

One significant challenge I faced was navigating a non-traditional career path in varied environments, often without a clear roadmap or predecessors to guide me. Learning to listen to my heart and identify what truly mattered to me—improving brain health and advocating for planetary health—was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. Embracing the freedom to chart my own course has been both exhilarating and rewarding, allowing me to contribute meaningfully in the field of neuroscience.

How important has mentorship been in your career?

Mentorship has been crucial in my career. I’ve been lucky to have supervisors who not only believed in me but also pushed me to grow as a scientist. However, being a woman scientist from an underrepresented background, I’ve faced my share of challenges, particularly when I decided to have children. This decision, I realized, could potentially hinder my scientific career.

A significant influence in my journey was Ben Barres, a pioneering neuroscientist and the first openly transgender member of the National Academy of Sciences (DC, USA). Barres’ openness about facing gender discrimination in the scientific community was eye-opening. He was vocal about the obstacles faced by women scientists and those from minority groups, advocating for change within the science community. His efforts inspired me to offer support to my peers and to those who are following in my footsteps. His mentorship and advocacy have been a guiding force in my own journey.

Are there specific policies or initiatives that you believe could enhance the work of women in neuroscience?

Absolutely. I believe that a comprehensive approach involving several key policies and initiatives is essential to enhance the role of women in neuroscience. First, implementing family-friendly policies, such as flexible working hours, parental leave and childcare support, is crucial in allowing women to balance their careers with family responsibilities. Establishing formal mentorship programs can connect early-career female neuroscientists with experienced mentors, providing invaluable guidance and support. Addressing gender bias and discrimination through education, training programs, and enforcing anti-discrimination policies is vital to creating a more inclusive workplace. Providing career development opportunities, including leadership training and grant writing workshops, can help women overcome barriers to advancement. Striving for gender balance in leadership roles, conference panels and decision-making committees sets a standard for inclusion. Supporting scientists who are returning to the field after a career break ensures that personal commitments do not permanently hinder career prospects. Lastly, publicly recognizing the achievements of women in neuroscience through awards and acknowledgments can inspire more women to enter and excel in the field. Collectively, these initiatives can create a supportive and equitable environment that empowers women in neuroscience to thrive and make significant contributions.

In what ways can climate change impact brain health?

Climate change can significantly impact brain health in various ways. Exposure to extreme heat can affect brain function, leading to symptoms ranging from reduced productivity to worsened conditions in neurological and mental disorders like multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. Heat exposure is also linked to long-term learning and memory deficits and metabolic changes in the brain, which may contribute to neurodegeneration.

Additionally, rising temperatures facilitate the spread of infectious diseases such as Zika and dengue, potentially causing serious neurological issues like encephalitis. Another major concern is air pollution, which is strongly associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable, as air pollution can adversely affect brain development, leading to issues like lower IQ and neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, climate change’s impact on DHA synthesis, essential for brain development, poses a significant threat to global brain health.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. The brain’s adaptability and ability to repair connections suggest that mitigating climate change and reducing harmful environmental exposures can help prevent and lessen brain damage. However, a deeper understanding of these impacts is necessary, emphasizing the need for more research and focused climate policies to protect vulnerable groups.

Can you elaborate on this effect in vulnerable groups e.g. children and the elderly?

Climate change can profoundly affect the brain health of vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. For children, their rapid physical and brain development, immature immune systems, and limited ability to regulate body temperature make them particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Studies indicate that exposure to extreme heat, air pollution, and other environmental stressors linked to climate change can negatively impact children’s mental well-being and brain development. This exposure can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

In the case of the elderly, climate change poses a different set of challenges. Older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of heat waves, which can exacerbate symptoms of existing neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and cognitive decline associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and the onset of dementia and mental disorders in this age group.

Both children and the elderly are also at risk from the spread of vector-borne diseases, which are proliferating due to climate change. These diseases can lead to severe neurological conditions like encephalitis and paralysis. The psychological impact of climate change, including the stress and trauma from extreme weather events and displacement, further underscores the need for immediate mental health interventions, particularly among the youth.

Overall, the neurological impacts of climate change on these vulnerable groups are significant, necessitating a comprehensive approach in research, public health policy, and healthcare systems to mitigate these effects and protect brain health.

What policy changes would you like to put in place to protect vulnerable populations from the neurological effects of climate change?

Great question. To safeguard vulnerable populations from the neurological effects of climate change, strengthening public health infrastructure is critical. This includes expanding access to mental health services, particularly in areas most affected by climate change and implementing regular health screenings for early detection of neurological damage. Education plays a key role too; increasing awareness about the neurological impacts of climate change among the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers is vital. Additionally, investing in research that explores the intersection of neurology, environmental science and public health will provide deeper insights into the effects of climate change on brain health.

Simultaneously, policies targeting environmental factors are crucial. Stricter regulations on air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter, are needed to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Urban planning should focus on reducing heat exposure, such as increasing green spaces and providing cooling centers. It’s also important to recognize and address the psychological impacts of climate change, such as stress and trauma, especially in communities facing frequent natural disasters. Special attention should be given to children, considering their increased vulnerability due to developing brains. Finally, aggressive climate change mitigation policies, including curbing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy, are necessary. These efforts, combined with global collaboration, can create a unified approach to protect brain health against the challenges posed by climate change.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Neuro Central or Taylor & Francis Group.