The Lancet Neurology: Neurological conditions now leading cause of ill health and disability globally, affecting 3.4 billion people worldwide
HealthdataMar 15
Study: Neurological Conditions Are Top Cause of Poor Health
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The Facts
A new study published Friday in the Lancet reveals that neurological conditions, including migraines, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and dementia, have emerged as the leading cause of disability and ill health globally, affecting 43% of the world's population, or 3.4B in 2021.
According to the study, an aging population and increased exposure to environmental, health, and lifestyle risk factors have contributed to a sharp rise in neurological disease over the past 30 years, up 18% worldwide.
The Spin
Narrative A
It's the most comprehensive study to date, finding neurological disorders to be a much bigger problem than previously understood and the biggest global health problem in 2021, even ahead of cardiovascular disease. These conditions affect 43% of the world's population. The authors advise that these largely preventable causes of health should be a global public health priority due to their massive public health impact.
Narrative B
The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation has been criticized for providing too much funding through an integrated echo chamber of academics, nongovernmental organizations, business groups, and individuals. The Foundation wields power through a form of group-think in international health. They now want us to transfer public funds to treat neurological conditions, which will undoubtedly benefit Gates' business interests.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that life expectancy at birth for both sexes will reach 60 years in all countries by Jan. 2033, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
