A recent study has brought attention to the alarming surge in neurological conditions globally, ranging from migraine to stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
This research revealed that these conditions have become the leading cause of ill health worldwide, contributing to 11.1 million deaths in 2021 alone.
Published in the Lancet, the study underscores the significant increase in the prevalence of neurological disorders over the past three decades.
It reports that a staggering 43% of the world’s population, amounting to 3.4 billion people, were affected by these conditions in 2021.
According to the analysis in the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors study, the total burden of disability, illness, and premature death caused by 37 neurological conditions rose by over 18% from 1990 to 2021.
The rise in neurological conditions is attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the global population, longer life expectancy, and increased exposure to environmental, metabolic, and lifestyle risk factors such as pollution, obesity, and diet.
In the UK, Brain Research UK reports that one in six individuals has some form of neurological condition, with 2.6 million people living with the effects of traumatic brain injury or stroke.
Moreover, the number of dementia cases is expected to surpass a million by 2030, currently standing at over 944,000.
Stroke emerged as the leading contributor to the global burden of disease, followed by meningitis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury in newborns, and other neurological complications.
Notably, tension headaches and migraines were identified as the most prevalent neurological disorders in 2021.
The study also shed light on neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions in children, emphasizing their substantial impact on global health.
Alarmingly, these conditions accounted for 80 million years of healthy life lost worldwide in 2021, constituting a significant portion of the total burden.
Furthermore, the research highlighted stark global health disparities, with 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occurring in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in western and central sub-Saharan Africa, where rates were five times higher than the global average.
Preventive measures were underscored as crucial in mitigating the risk of developing neurological conditions, particularly in addressing high systolic blood pressure, which could prevent 84% of stroke-related illness, disability, and premature death.
Dr. Jaimie Steinmetz, the lead author of the study, stressed the urgent need for effective and accessible prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care strategies to address the rising burden of nervous system conditions worldwide.
Echoing concerns, Dr. Leah Mursaleen, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasized the imperative for immediate action to combat the devastating impact of dementia globally.
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive at the Stroke Association, expressed deep concern over the escalating burden of neurological conditions, particularly stroke, emphasizing the urgent need for support and intervention to mitigate its societal and economic impact.
