CLIMABRAIN: Impacts of Extreme Weather on the Most Vulnerable Living with Alzheimer's disease

Over the past ten years, France has experienced the worsening impacts of climate change, through the increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves. These extreme heat episodes are often accompanied by pollution spikes, especially for ozone, which could have immediate and combined adverse health effects. People living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias could be particularly vulnerable to these extreme weather events (heat waves and spikes in air pollution) for several reasons. They often have multiple comorbidities and take medications that may weaken the immune system, impair thermoregulation or reduce sweating, all of which can contribute to increased susceptibility. Cognitive impairments can hinder their understanding of environmental threats and their ability to respond to them, while communication difficulties can limit their ability to express distress or seek help. In addition, reduced mobility or social isolation may further increase their exposure and limit their ability to respond. However, the health effects of heat waves and pollution peaks in this specific population are still largely understudied.

In the context of the increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, the project led by Tarik Benmarhnia aims to assess the extent and heterogeneity of their health impact on this specific population, in order to implement appropriate and targeted preventive actions.

This project is a non-interventional research project based on the use of big health data. It will be based on the use of data collected in French medico-administrative databases during the period 2010-2022.

In the long term, the aim is to guide public policies in the climate crisis and to promote targeted prevention measures adapted to this particularly vulnerable population.