Unveiling the Global Neurological Crisis: WHO Study Discovers Nearly Half the World’s Population Living with a Neurological Condition

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New WHO research reveals that almost half of the worldwide population are afflicted by a neurological disorder

The research indicates that close to 3.4 billion individuals, which constitutes around 43% of the global population, are battling at least one neurological disorder. Such disorders could range from the risk of suffering a stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraines, dementia, to diabetic neuropathy.

The latest study carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington provides insights into the widespread effects of neurological disorders across the globe.

The research, released in The Lancet Neurology, reveals surprising data, showing that almost 50% of the world's population suffers from neurological disorders, which includes conditions like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. These conditions are noted as the primary reason for disability and sickness worldwide.

The research utilizes information from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study, an extensive project focused on monitoring the occurrence and effects of different health issues. It offers a holistic evaluation of neurological disorders, including 37 specific conditions.

Significantly, this study goes further than typical evaluations, covering a wider range of diseases related to the brain and nervous system, including neurodevelopmental disorders.

The research from 2021 indicates that around 3.4 billion people, or 43% of the global population, are dealing with at least one brain-related disorder. Even though there has been progress in reducing some health risks, the impact of brain-related diseases is still predominantly felt in poorer countries. This highlights the worldwide inequality in access to healthcare and resources.

The research points out various nerve-related disorders that considerably contribute to the reduction of healthy life years, such as stroke, brain disorders in newborns, severe headaches, memory loss, and nerve damage due to diabetes.

Interestingly, although the occurrence of certain illnesses has decreased in the past thirty years, others have seen a worrying increase, with instances of diabetic neuropathy tripling during this time.

Following the results, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, highlights the pressing necessity for specific actions to tackle the increasing issues caused by neurological disorders. Ghebreyesus stresses the importance of boosting access to high-quality care, therapy, and rehabilitation for those impacted and their communities.

While advancements in curbing some hazard elements linked to neurological diseases, like better vaccination rates, have been made, the research emphasizes the continuous requirement for joint efforts. Actions such as lowering air pollution and preventing hypertension are suggested as possible tactics to lessen the impact of neurological disorders, underlining the complex aspect of tackling worldwide health issues.

As the global community struggles with the increasing effects of neurological diseases, the analysis acts as a loud call for the need to focus more on neurological well-being and promote equal access to medical care worldwide.

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