A groundbreaking study published by The Lancet Neurology has brought to light a concerning reality: in 2021, more than 3 billion individuals worldwide were grappling with neurological conditions. Partnering in this analysis, the World Health Organization (WHO) contributed to dissecting the data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study (GBD) 2021.
THE RISING TIDE OF NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Neurological conditions have now emerged as the leading cause of ill health and disability across the globe. Since 1990, the overall burden of disability, illness, and premature death, quantified as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), has surged by a staggering 18%, the study said.
A DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN
Over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss afflict individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Shockingly, these regions face a severe deficit in access to treatment, with high-income countries boasting up to 70 times more neurological professionals per 100,000 people.
CALL TO ACTION BY WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to alleviate the burden faced by individuals living with neurological conditions. He underscores the necessity of scaling up access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation to address this pressing global challenge.
TOP TEN NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
The study identifies the top ten neurological conditions contributing to health loss in 2021:
- Stroke
- Neonatal encephalopathy (brain injury)
- Migraine
- Dementia
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Meningitis
- Epilepsy
- Neurological complications from preterm birth
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Nervous system cancers
GENDER DISPARITIES AND EMERGING TRENDS
While men experience a higher overall burden of disability and health loss from neurological conditions, certain conditions, such as migraine and dementia, disproportionately affect women. Moreover, diabetic neuropathy has emerged as the fastest-growing neurological condition, tripling in prevalence globally since 1990.
ADDRESSING MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
The study also underscores the significance of addressing modifiable risk factors to prevent neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, and idiopathic intellectual disability. Key interventions include controlling high blood pressure, reducing exposure to air pollution, eliminating lead exposure, and combating smoking.
THE INTERSECTORAL GLOBAL ACTION PLAN (IGAP)
In response to the burgeoning crisis, Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031 (IGAP). This comprehensive plan outlines strategic objectives and targets to improve access to treatment, enhance prevention efforts, strengthen research and data collection, and promote a public health approach to neurological disorders.
URGENT NEED FOR INVESTMENT
Dévora Kestel, Director of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, stresses the critical need for increased investments to improve treatment, care, and quality of life for individuals living with neurological conditions. Achieving equity and access to quality care necessitates robust research, support for healthcare professionals, and comprehensive service delivery.
As the global community grapples with the escalating burden of neurological conditions, concerted efforts and targeted interventions are imperative to safeguard the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.
