More than half of Americans, roughly 54% of the population, are living with a neurological disease or disorder, according to findings detailed in a new study.
The recent work draws attention to the impact of neurological disorders and to how widespread it is for people to live with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, researchers analyzed disability and death rates for 36 neurological conditions across the United States, finding that over 180 million Americans have been affected.
“This new analysis showing one in two people in the U.S. is affected by a neurological disease or disorder is an urgent call to action,” said American Academy of Neurology President Natalia S. Rost in a statement. “It emphasizes the importance of accelerating research and discovery to achieve scientific breakthroughs in preventing and treating neurological diseases and disorders.
“With these efforts, led by neurologists and neuroscientists, the experts in brain health, we can improve brain health for all,” Rost added.
The study reviewed neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from ADHD to migraines, which often peak in a person’s 30s, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which are more common in the elderly. Among these, the most prevalent were tension-type headaches, affecting 122 million Americans, migraines, affecting 58 million, and diabetic neuropathy affecting 17 million.
“Disorders of the nervous system are highly prevalent and cause disability for millions of Americans,” said author John P. Ney of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. “Healthy brain, spinal cord, and nerve function allows for greater participation in employment, relationships, and improved quality of life. Increasing access to neurological and disability care could have substantial benefits for people across the United States.”
Compared to the global outcome of neurological disorders, estimated at 43%, the U.S. sees higher rates, mainly due to tension-type headaches. However, death from many neurological conditions in the U.S. is relatively low, reflecting progress in treatments and overall prevention. From 1990 to 2021, the total deaths from neurological disorders declined by 15%, though the number of years individuals lived with disability increased by 10% as more people survive longer with these conditions.
“Our analysis found that total disability-adjusted life-years from neurological diseases and disorders in the U.S. increased by 55% between 1990 and 2021,” said Ney. “However, when accounting for the effects of an aging population, the increase was much smaller. This pattern shows that much of the rise in neurological disease burden is linked to an older U.S. population that is more vulnerable to conditions affecting the nervous system.”
This study highlights the need for investment in neurological research in America and globally, along with education on prevention and care for those affected. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the study is helping to improve brain health and support Americans living with neurological disorders.
The research was published by the American Academy of Neurology and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in the journal JAMA Neurology.
Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and the founder of VOCAB Communications. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max and hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com.