A recent study conducted by The Lancet Neurology in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on the alarming rise of neurological conditions globally. According to the study, more than 3 billion people were affected by neurological disorders in 2021, equating to over 1 in 3 individuals.
This comprehensive analysis has revealed that neurological disorders have emerged as the leading cause of ill health and disability on a global scale. Stroke, migraine, and dementia were identified as some of the most common neurological conditions affecting individuals worldwide.
One of the striking findings of the study is the disparity in access to care, with over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occurring in low and middle-income countries. High-income nations were found to have significantly more neurological professionals per 100,000 people compared to their low or middle-income counterparts, exacerbating healthcare disparities.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to provide quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation to those affected by neurological conditions. He stressed that these conditions cause immense suffering to individuals and families and have detrimental effects on communities and economies.
The study also revealed an 18% increase in the overall burden of disability, illness, and premature death caused by neurological conditions since 1990. While age-standardized disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates have declined, there has been a concerning rise in the number of individuals living with or succumbing to neurological disorders.
Notably, diabetic neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage due to diabetes, has seen rapid growth worldwide since 1990. Additionally, neurological complications arising from Covid-19, such as cognitive impairment and Guillain-Barré syndrome, now account for over 23 million cases.
Despite these challenges, the study highlighted promising advancements in prevention, care, and research, leading to significant reductions in the burden of several neurological conditions. Efforts to combat diseases like tetanus, rabies, meningitis, and stroke have shown remarkable progress, underscoring the potential of targeted interventions to alleviate the burden of neurological disorders.
The report emphasized the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, air pollution, and smoking to prevent a substantial proportion of neurological burden. By prioritizing preventive measures, policymakers and healthcare professionals can work towards mitigating the staggering impact of neurological conditions and safeguarding public health on a global scale.
