Over One In Three People Worldwide Affected By Neurological Conditions, Says WHO

A recent comprehensive study published in The Lancet Neurology has unveiled that, as of 2021, over 3 billion individuals globally are grappling with a neurological condition. This research, enhanced by contributions from the World Health Organisation (WHO) through the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study (GBD) 2021 data, positions neurological conditions as the primary cause of ill health and disability across the globe. The findings underscore an 18 percent surge in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to these conditions since 1990, highlighting a significant public health challenge.

According to the study, more than 80 percent of neurological deaths and health losses are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. The disparity in access to treatment is stark, with high-income nations having up to 70 times more neurological professionals per 100,000 people than their lower-income counterparts. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need for action to enhance access to quality care and treatment for those affected by neurological conditions.

The research identified stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancers as the top ten neurological conditions contributing to health loss in 2021. Notably, while neurological conditions generally cause more disability and health loss among men, conditions like migraine and dementia disproportionately affect women.

Despite the rising absolute number of individuals living with or dying from neurological conditions—attributed mainly to demographic changes and increased longevity—the age-standardised DALY rates have seen a decline. Diabetic neuropathy emerged as the fastest-growing neurological condition globally, with cases tripling since 1990 to reach 206 million in 2021. This rise mirrors the global increase in diabetes cases. Additionally, neurological complications from COVID-19 have introduced over 23 million new cases of conditions that were previously non-existent.

On a positive note, the study highlighted a decrease of 25 percent or more in the neurological burden and health loss due to several conditions since 1990. This improvement is credited to enhanced prevention measures (including vaccines), better care, and research advancements targeting diseases like tetanus, rabies, meningitis, and stroke among others.

The analysis also explored 20 modifiable risk factors for potentially preventable neurological conditions. Key findings suggest that eliminating high systolic blood pressure and ambient plus household air pollution could prevent up to 84 percent of stroke DALYs. Furthermore, reducing exposure to lead could decrease the burden of idiopathic intellectual disability by over 63 percent.

In response to these challenges, Member States at the World Health Assembly in 2022 adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031 (IGAP). This plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for improving prevention, early identification, treatment, and rehabilitation of neurological disorders. Dévora Kestel, Director at WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, highlighted the necessity for increased investments in research on brain health risks, support for healthcare workers, and enhancement of services to achieve equitable access to quality care.

This landmark study serves as a critical call to action for global health leaders and policymakers. It underscores the importance of addressing the growing burden of neurological conditions through targeted interventions and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and research.

With inputs from WAM