Neurological disorders are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting billions of individuals and contributing to a substantial disease burden. According to a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study, conducted by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, disorders affecting the nervous system were the leading cause of ill health and disability globally in 2021. This analysis included data from 1990 to 2021 and highlighted the impact of neurological conditions on global health outcomes.
The study revealed that neurologic conditions affected 43.1% of the world’s population and were responsible for 443 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and 11.1 million deaths in 2021. The ten conditions with the highest age-standardized DALYs worldwide included stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, and others. Notably, previous Global Burden of Disease studies did not include neurodevelopmental disorders or a subset of congenital, neonatal, and infectious conditions that cause nervous system damage, highlighting the evolving understanding of neurological health.
Addressing modifiable risk factors for neurological conditions is crucial for prevention and reducing the disease burden. High systolic blood pressure was identified as a significant risk factor for stroke, the top global contributor to neurological health loss. The study emphasized the importance of assessing risk factors across different neurological conditions to target interventions effectively. By understanding the key contributors to disease burden, public health programs can focus on prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of neurological disorders.
The Global Burden of Disease Study team estimated mortality, prevalence, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and DALYs related to neurological conditions in 204 countries and territories. The analysis encompassed health loss directly attributed to damage to the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system, as well as conditions with neurological consequences but not as the primary feature. The study highlighted the growing importance of neurologic health loss from conditions like diabetic neuropathy and the neurologic consequences of COVID-19.
While the study provided valuable insights into the global burden of neurological disorders, there are challenges in assessing disability caused by conditions with episodic versus progressive disease courses. The impact of conditions like neuromuscular diseases, cancer in the nervous system, and neuropathic pain warrants further attention in future studies. As the field of neurology continues to evolve, ongoing research is needed to understand the complexities of neurological health and implement effective interventions to improve outcomes.
The Global Burden of Disease Study shed light on the significant burden of neurological disorders worldwide and the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for prevention. By prioritizing interventions that target key contributors to disease burden, public health initiatives can make strides in reducing the impact of neurological conditions on global health. Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential to advancing our understanding of neurological health and promoting effective strategies for improving outcomes.