A recent study conducted by The Lancet Neurology has revealed that over 1 in 3 people worldwide are affected by neurological conditions, making it the leading cause of illness and disability globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) contributed to the analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study (GBD) 2021 data, which highlighted the significant impact of neurological conditions on global health.
The study found that more than 3 billion people were living with neurological conditions in 2021, representing an 18% increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) since 1990. The burden of neurological conditions disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occur. Disparities in access to treatment were also evident, with high-income countries having significantly more neurological professionals per 100,000 people compared to low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals living with neurological conditions. He stressed the importance of understanding, valuing, and protecting brain health from early childhood to later life, calling for concerted efforts to address this pressing global health issue.
The study identified the top ten neurological conditions contributing to health loss in 2021, including stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancers. While neurological conditions generally cause more disability and health loss in men than women, certain conditions such as migraine and dementia disproportionately affect women.
Notably, the study revealed a significant increase in the absolute number of individuals living with or dying from neurological conditions since 1990, driven primarily by demographic changes and longer life expectancy. Diabetic neuropathy emerged as the fastest-growing neurological condition, with a global increase to 206 million cases in 2021, reflecting the worldwide rise in diabetes prevalence.
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address the growing impact of neurological conditions on global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts to enhance access to quality care, treatment, and support for individuals living with neurological conditions are crucial in mitigating the societal and economic burdens associated with these conditions.
