A comprehensive study with data from 1990 to 2021 recently revealed a significant shift in global health trends. According to the study, neurological diseases have now replaced cardiovascular diseases as the most widespread health problems worldwide. According to the study, more than 3.4 billion people, i.e. 43% of the world’s population, were already suffering from a neurological disease, including dementia, migraine, Parkinson’s disease or stroke, in 2021.
This significant increase in neurological diseases, reported by the US Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and published in The Lancet Neurology (2024; DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00038-3), represents a massive 59% increase over the last three decades. One of the main causes of this trend is the progressive ageing of the population.
Research into the effects of neurological diseases on health
The researchers analysed the effects of 37 different neurological diseases on the health of the people affected as well as the resulting disability and mortality rates. Using this data, they calculated the “healthy life years” lost due to various neurological diseases. In 2021, neurological diseases were responsible for a total of over 443 million healthy life years lost – an increase of 18% since 1990.
The study shows that strokes have the greatest impact, with 160 million healthy years of life lost. This was closely followed by diseases such as neonatal encephalopathy, migraines, dementia, nerve damage due to diabetes, meningitis and epilepsy. Remarkably, perceptual disorders triggered by COVID-19 are in twentieth place.
Study on neurological diseases: Challenges in prevention and treatment
The 37 neurological diseases analysed in the study will be responsible for more than eleven million deaths in 2021. Although most of these diseases are still incurable, the researchers emphasised that preventive measures against high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as avoiding alcohol, could potentially reduce the risk of developing such diseases.
General information about neurological disorders
“Neurological disorders” encompass a variety of diseases that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. These disorders range from congenital abnormalities such as neural tube defects to acquired diseases such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis. They can lead to a variety of symptoms and disabilities that affect the motor and cognitive abilities and overall quality of life of those affected.
Summary of the prevalence of neurological diseases and the results of the study
With the increasing prevalence of neurological diseases, it is becoming ever more important to improve our understanding and develop more effective treatment strategies. Investment in research, public health initiatives and education about neurological diseases is essential to reduce the global burden of these diseases.
To summarise, the IHME study is a clear indicator of the increasing prevalence of neurological diseases worldwide. It emphasises the urgent need for improved public health strategies and research to combat the increasing impact of these diseases on society. The increase emphasises the critical importance of prevention and lifestyle changes to mitigate the risks associated with neurological diseases.
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