In a groundbreaking analysis about Neurological Disorders is conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), it has been revealed that conditions affecting the nervous system have surpassed heart disease to become the leading cause of ill health on a global scale.
Key Findings:
•Prevalence: More than 3.4 billion people, constituting 43 percent of the world’s population, experienced a neurological condition in 2021, indicating a significant increase compared to previous estimates.
•Rapid Increase: Neurological conditions have surged by 59 percent over the last three decades, primarily driven by population aging and growth.
•Impact: The study estimated that over 443 million healthy years of life were lost globally in 2021 due to neurological disorders, marking an 18-percent increase since 1990.
•Leading Conditions: Stroke emerged as the most severe •neurological condition, followed by neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, and epilepsy.
•Impact on Children: Children under five accounted for a substantial portion of healthy years lost, highlighting the significant impact of neurological disorders on pediatric health.
•Global Burden: Neurological conditions resulted in more than 11 million deaths worldwide in 2021, underscoring their substantial contribution to mortality rates.
•Risk Factors and Prevention: High blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol consumption were identified as key risk factors for neurological disorders, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
•Challenges and Recommendations: Addressing the growing burden of neurological disorders requires comprehensive strategies focused on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and resource-limited settings.
With the neurological burden projected to increase rapidly in the coming decades, urgent action is needed to strengthen health systems and mitigate disparities in access to care.
This unprecedented study sheds light on the critical need to prioritize neurological health on the global health agenda and implement effective measures to address the growing burden of neurological disorders worldwide.
Reference: https://www.sciencealert.com/major-us-study-confirms-a-new-1-cause-of-disease-worldwide
