He 15% of the world population –more than 1,000 million people– has some kind of disability. And almost 50% of this disability, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), is caused by neurological diseases. In the case of Spain, neurological diseases are responsible 44% of disability due to chronic illness.
In addition, nine of the 15 most common diseases among people with a recognized disability in Spain are neurological in nature, including diseases such as stroke He Alzheimer He Parkinson’s o to SHE management of classification; without forgetting others migraine The epilepsy The multiple sclerosis The frontotemporal dementia…also very common and with high disability rates.
The World Association of Neurology emphasizes that neurological diseases are the most common cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Additionally, people with disabilities are twice as likely to develop chronic illnesses that can further negatively impact brain health, such as: depression, diabetes, obesity O Vascular problems and their life expectancy can be shortened by up to 20 years.
In Spain, according to SEN Neurological diseases are responsible for 50% of the years of life lost due to disability. In addition, they are responsible for 23% of years of life lost due to premature death and cause 19% of annual deaths.
Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation
As the doctor explains José Miguel Láinez, President of the Spanish Society of Neurology“ This year the main goal is to commemorate the World Brain Day “The goal is to raise awareness that disability caused by neurological diseases can be prevented, treated and rehabilitated.”
In this sense, he points out that “the burden of disability and the number of people affected by neurological diseases is continuously increasing in countries like ours due to the aging of the population.” In any case, it is important to note that brain disability affects us all regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic level. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize brain health and raise awareness of the important role the brain plays in our lives. Health and our quality of life.”
And according to SEN, wearing it has been proven brain-healthy lifestyle habits –This also includes performing mental and physical activities Follow that Mediterranean cuisine, Avoid tobacco and alcohol The hypertension and that depression try to have one good mood and looking for that socialization– would help prevent many neurological diseases. In fact, that is appreciated These measures could prevent up to 90% of stroke cases and 30% of Alzheimer’s and epilepsy cases.
On the other hand, it is also necessary improve medical care that people with disabilities receive. The World Federation of Neurology believes that universal access to professional care, treatment and rehabilitation is essential to reducing the global burden of disability caused by neurological diseases.
In this context, Láinez claims that “neurological disabilities should be considered a priority public health problem.” And reducing them is the responsibility of the health, political and educational authorities, but also of society as a whole.”
And beyond that, remember that “there are many people with neurological disabilities alive.” stigma The Discrimination and that social exclusion. We believe days like this will help highlight the complexity of the issues faced by people with neurological diseases and, as this year’s theme suggests, prioritize efforts to ensure no one is left behind. .
