In 2021, neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, affected approximately 3.4 billion people globally
In a new study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, results published in the Lancet Neurology have determined that neurological conditions are currently the leading cause of ill health worldwide.
Results showed that the biggest contributors to neurological health loss globally were stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and diabetic neuropathy.
Affecting 3.4 billion people globally in 2021, neurological conditions are any conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which can affect anyone at any age.
The study revealed that the number of people globally living with or dying from neurological conditions has drastically risen in the past three decades, partially due to ageing societies.
Worldwide, the analysis suggests that the total amount of disability, illness and premature death caused by neurological conditions increased by 18% between 1990 and 2021.
“These figures are really concerning and underline the need for urgent action. Without it, dementia is going to continue to devastate millions of lives across the world,” said Dr Leah Mursaleen, head of research, Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK).
In 2023, ARUK conducted an analysis, which revealed that if no improvements occur, one in two people in the UK will either develop dementia or care for someone living with the condition.
Specifically in the UK, if figures of neurological conditions increase, then “that means placing an even greater strain on the NHS,” added Mursaleen.
According to the Neurological Alliance, the economic cost of neurological conditions in the UK is at least £96bn, which is more than three times higher than the defence budget and more than the education budget.
Mursaleen added: “While research is continuously moving forward, we need governments and health systems to follow if we have any chance of stopping these devastating diseases.”
The charity is now calling for ambitious commitments to combat the increasing pressure that dementia places on society, the NHS and the economy ahead of the next general election to help reduce the burden of neurological conditions.

https://pharmatimes.com/news/new-study-reveals-neurological-conditions-as-leading-cause-of-ill-health-worldwide/