Nearly half of all people globally are living with a neurological condition, finds new WHO study

Published in The Lancet Neurology, the study unveils startling statistics, indicating that nearly half of the global population is afflicted by neurological ailments, ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to epilepsy, marking them as the leading cause of disability and illness globally.

Drawing upon data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study-a comprehensive endeavour aimed at tracking the prevalence and impact of various health conditions-the research provides a comprehensive assessment of neurological disorders, encompassing 37 distinct conditions.

Notably, this analysis extends beyond conventional assessments, encompassing a broader spectrum of illnesses tied to the brain and nervous system, including neurodevelopmental disorders.

As of 2021, the study reveals that approximately 3.4 billion individuals, constituting 43 per cent of the world’s population, grapple with at least one neurological condition. Despite strides in mitigating certain health risks, the burden of neurological illnesses remains disproportionately concentrated in low-to-middle-income countries, underscoring global disparities in healthcare access and resources.

The study identifies a range of neurological conditions as significant contributors to the loss of healthy years, including stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, and diabetic neuropathy.

Notably, while the prevalence of some conditions has declined over the past three decades, others have witnessed a concerning uptick, with cases of diabetic neuropathy tripling during this period.

In response to these findings, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the mounting challenges posed by neurological disorders. Ghebreyesus underscores the imperative of enhancing access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation for affected individuals and communities.

Despite progress in mitigating certain risk factors associated with neurological illness, such as improved vaccination coverage, the study underscores the ongoing need for concerted action. Measures like reducing air pollution and preventing high blood pressure are cited as potential strategies to alleviate the burden of neurological conditions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of addressing global health challenges.

As the world grapples with the escalating impact of neurological disorders, the study serves as a clarion call for intensified efforts to prioritize neurological health and foster equitable access to care on a global scale.