Why are nervous system disorders now the leading cause of ill health?

Question

Accepted Answer

Nervous System Disorders Surpass Heart Disease as Leading Cause of Ill Health

Nervous system conditions have become the primary driver of global ill health, with over 3.4 billion individuals experiencing such conditions in 2021. This surge is largely attributed to an expanding and aging global population, coupled with a reclassification of stroke into the neurological category by the World Health Organization. Cases of neurological disorders have seen a significant increase of 59% over the past three decades, contributing to a substantial burden of disease worldwide.
Population Growth and Ageing Drive Increase

The global population's increasing size and average age are key factors behind the rise in nervous system disorders. Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) analyzed 37 neurological conditions across 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2021. This period saw a 59% increase in the incidence of these conditions, directly linked to demographic shifts.
Reclassification of Stroke Significantly Impacts Data

A notable reason for nervous system disorders overtaking cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of ill health is a recent change in classification. The World Health Organization has moved stroke, previously categorised under heart disease, into the neurological domain. In 2021, stroke alone accounted for 160 million years of healthy life lost, making it the most impactful neurological condition studied.
Significant Burden of Healthy Life Years Lost

In 2021, over 443 million years of healthy life were lost globally due to nervous system disorders, an 18% increase from 1990. While this figure is substantial, researchers noted that when adjusted for population age and size, the years of healthy life lost and deaths from these conditions actually decreased by approximately one-third. Nevertheless, conditions like neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, and nerve damage from diabetes continue to contribute significantly to this burden.
Preventable Risk Factors and Growing Pressure on Health Systems

Many neurological conditions lack a cure, highlighting the importance of prevention and risk reduction. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption are identified as key modifiable risks. The rapid growth of the worldwide neurological burden, as warned by study co-author Valery Feigin, is expected to place increasing pressure on global health systems in the coming decades, particularly in resource-limited regions.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are nervous system disorders now the leading cause of ill health?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends