Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Value contribution of blood-based neurofilament light chain as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis using multi-criteria decision analysis

“…Patients experience a significant impairment in their quality of life because of the disability associated with the disease ( 3 , 39 ). MS is also considered to have high prevalence, affecting over 2.8 million worldwide ( 1 , 2 , 40 , 41 ). Unmet needs have been identified in the determination of disease activity, measurement of neurodegeneration, and response to treatment of patients with MS at an early stage.…”

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system affecting over 2.8 million worldwide, often manifesting in adults aged 20–40, with women affected more than men. Its unpredictable symptoms, like fatigue, impair mobility and quality of life and cognitive dysfunction posing burdens on individuals, families, and healthcare systems ( 1 , 2 ). It is the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in young and middle-aged adults ( 3 , 4 ).…”

Seven days in medicine: 13-19 March 2024

“…The number of people worldwide living with or dying from neurological conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or meningitis has risen substantially over the past 30 years because of a growing and ageing global population and increased exposure to environmental, metabolic, and lifestyle risk factors. In 2021 some 3.4 billion people experienced a nervous system condition, showed research published in Lancet Neurology 2. Over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occur in low and middle income countries.…”

Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Potential Implications for Stroke Risk via the Gut– and Lung–Brain Axis

“…Among these hazards are biological and chemical pollutants, extreme climate conditions, gas emissions, and heavy metal accumulation, all of which have been linked to an increased risk of various health conditions, not only respiratory complications, but also endocrine disruptions, cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders [2][3][4][5]. Globally, stroke is a highly prevalent neurological disease and a main contributor to long-term disabilities, remaining the second leading cause of death [6]. Importantly, stroke is no longer a disease of just the elderly; over the past two decades, the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke in people under the age of seventy have increased [7].…”

“…Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that environmental toxins, including household air pollution, ambient particulate matter, and exposure to heavy metals, contribute to the global stroke burden [8,9]. In fact, the most recent systematic analysis shows that among stroke risk factors, ambient particulate matter exposure is second only to high blood pressure in terms of prevalence [6].…”