Neurological disorders have emerged as a significant health concern globally, affecting a staggering 3.4 billion people worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, these conditions have become the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. Neurologic conditions have impacted 43.1% of the global population, surpassing cardiovascular diseases as the top contributor to the global disease burden in 2021.
A systematic analysis conducted by Jaimie Steinmetz and colleagues revealed that 37 conditions affecting the nervous system were responsible for 443 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and 11.1 million deaths in 2021. The analysis, which spanned data from 1990 to 2021, reported an 18.2% increase in global DALYs since 1990. However, age-standardized rates of DALYs and death per 100,000 people decreased by 27% and 33.6%, respectively.
The top ten conditions with the highest age-standardized DALYs worldwide included stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, preterm birth complications, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancer. Interestingly, previous GBD studies did not encompass neurodevelopmental disorders or certain congenital, neonatal, and infectious conditions that affect the nervous system, which were found to contribute significantly to the total neurologic burden.
As the burden of neurological conditions continues to rise, prevention through the identification and modification of risk factors remains crucial. The analysis highlighted the importance of targeting modifiable risk factors, such as high systolic blood pressure, to address conditions like stroke, which is a leading cause of neurological health loss globally. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of risk factors across different neurological conditions is essential to develop targeted intervention programs that effectively reduce the disease burden.
Moving forward, there is a need to broaden the scope of research to include additional neurological conditions, such as neuromuscular diseases, the impact of cancer on the nervous system, and neuropathic pain. The effects of episodic versus progressive neurological disorders on disability and quality of life warrant further investigation to understand the diverse challenges faced by individuals living with these conditions.
The Global Burden of Neurological Disorders underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, research, and intervention strategies to address the growing impact of these conditions on global health. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment approaches, we can work towards reducing the burden of neurological diseases and improving the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.
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