Neurological conditions continue to be a significant global health issue, affecting over one in three people worldwide. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), conditions such as dementia, stroke, and autism spectrum disorder are among the top 10 contributors to the “loss of health” in 2021.
The report highlights the impact of lifestyle factors such as high fasting plasma glucose levels and smoking on the risk of neurological conditions. By addressing these risk factors, the burden of conditions like dementia could potentially be reduced significantly.
WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes the importance of scaling up interventions to ensure access to quality care and treatment for those living with neurological conditions. The need to prioritize brain health from an early age is crucial to addressing the growing prevalence of these conditions.
A separate study published in The Lancet Neurology reveals that over three billion people worldwide are dealing with neurological conditions in 2021, with a concerning increase in premature deaths linked to these conditions since 1990. The majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The report underscores the significance of factors like maintaining blood pressure and reducing pollution to prevent disability adjusted life years. By addressing these factors, the burden of neurological conditions could be significantly reduced, offering hope for improved global health outcomes.
