A recent series of studies in The Lancet Neurology reveals that neurological disorders have become the primary cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 3.4 billion people in 2021, with a notable rise in conditions such as dementia, migraines, and diabetic neuropathy.
Neurological conditions have been identified as the leading cause of disability and ill health globally, affecting over 3.4 billion people in 2021, according to a series of studies published in The Lancet Neurology. This significant health burden represents an 18% increase in individuals dealing with neurological disorders such as stroke, dementia, migraines, epilepsy, and nervous system cancers over the past 30 years. The surge in cases is largely attributed to an aging population and greater exposure to various risk factors.
Particularly alarming is the high prevalence of tension headaches and migraines, with diabetic neuropathy noted as the fastest-growing neurological condition, experiencing more than a threefold increase since 1990. The impact of neurological disorders is felt acutely across the world, but more so in the poorest countries due to the higher incidence of complications in newborns and younger children.
Prevention is highlighted as a critical area of focus, with modifications in key risk factors, such as high blood pressure, being capable of preventing up to 84% of stroke-related disabilities and illnesses. Furthermore, controlling high blood sugar levels could reduce the burden of dementia by 15%. These preventive measures emphasize the importance of intervention and awareness due to the lack of cures for many neurological conditions.
The research underscores the urgency for governments and health systems worldwide to address the increasing prevalence of these disorders. In the UK, for example, one in six people live with a neurological condition, highlighting a national health concern. Internationally, neurological conditions were responsible for 11.1 million deaths and 443 million years of healthy life lost in 2021, with strokes leading the list of conditions causing the highest disease burden.
The global landscape of neurological health underscores the disparities between affluent and developing nations, with certain regions in Africa experiencing notably higher rates of disability-adjusted life years (Dalys) and deaths. These findings point towards a pressing need for targeted interventions and increased research efforts to mitigate the impact of neurological disorders on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide.
