Health challenges of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, with a focus on Türkiye. An environmental neurological and brain health perspective

Abstract

The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, where both natural and anthropogenic disasters have occurred, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This article aims to alert and inform the neurological community about the many health risks linked to climate change, including some more specific ones, such as the mucilage phenomenon, heat waves and dust storms, and the spread of vector-borne infections. We describe the potential adverse effects of such climate-related exposures and advocate for more research to promote Brain Health.

Keywords: Air pollution; Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East climate change initiative; Heat waves; Mucilage; Neurology; Türkiye.