Prevalence and Impact of Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders include many conditions that impact the brain, spinal cord, and connecting nerves throughout the body. There are more than 600 neurological conditions which can arise before birth, or that can be acquired later in life. Among the most prevalent neurological disorders are epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and migraines.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people worldwide experience neurological disorders. Epilepsy impacts at least 50 million individuals globally, and dementia affects about 47.5 million people, with 7.7 million new cases diagnosed annually. Alzheimer’s disease impacts approximately 24 million cases, while migraines are present at over 10% of the global population.
Neurological differences can impact communication, vision, hearing, movement and cognition. The symptoms of neurological disorders can be physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioural and can vary based on the complexity and diversity of neurological disorders. If left untreated, neurological disorders can lead to severe health consequences. To avoid that, managing these differences ranges from preventive measures and lifestyle changes to physiotherapy, pain management, medication, or surgical procedures.
Early diagnosis and person-centred treatment can significantly improve the management of neurological disorders, improving an individual’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Causes of Neurological Disorders
The causes of neurological disorders can be classified as congenital and acquired, with some cases remaining idiopathic, meaning their origin is unknown. The underlying factors for acquired neurological disorders are diverse and can involve infections and injuries.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and maintaining regular physical activity, can reduce the risk of developing some neurological conditions, such as dementia. Understanding and identifying the various causes of neurological disorders play a vital role in developing strategies and effective treatments to improve the quality of life for individuals.
Genetic Factors
Genes, which are sections of DNA containing chemical codes that define our characteristics, are located in chromosomes. Half of the chromosomes are inherited from the mother and half from the father. Genetic factors significantly influence an individual’s risk of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
Neurological disorders often result from a complex combination of genetic variations, impacting crucial processes such as neuronal development, synaptic function, and immune responses within the nervous system. Accurately diagnosing genetic factors can inform personalised treatment and targeted therapy to mitigate the impact of neurological disorders.
Lifestyle-Related Causes
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy dietary choices, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, and substance abuse, have been linked to an increased risk of neurological conditions, such as stroke, migraine, and cognitive decline. Additionally, factors such as neuroinflammation have a negative impact on the onset, severity, and duration of neurodegenerative conditions.
Brain health includes mental and cognitive well-being, memory, learning, planning, and concentration. It emphasises the importance of nurturing and preserving the brain’s functionality throughout life. There are proactive steps individuals can take to maintain brain health and reduce the risk of neurological conditions. The first and most crucial step is for individuals to better safeguard their health by prioritising a healthy lifestyle and minimising risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of exercise.
Infections
Infections are a significant cause of neurological disorders, with encephalitis and meningitis being common examples. Children who experience encephalitis may face long-term neurologic effects, such as memory challenges, behavioural changes, speech difficulties, and epilepsy. Similarly, meningitis occurs when the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges, become inflamed due to bacterial or viral infections. The resulting inflammation can lead to changes in the brain and nerves.
During pregnancy, certain infections can be transmitted from a mother to the baby, potentially causing developmental changes in the foetus. These infections are collectively known as TORCH infections and include a range of conditions, including hepatitis B, HIV, rubella, and herpes simplex virus, among others.
Understanding the risk and impact of infections during pregnancy and postnatally is crucial for early detection and intervention. With a person-centred approach, it’s possible to mitigate the potential effects of infections on children’s health and overall well-being.
Nutrition-Related Causes
A diet lacking essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may compromise the integrity of neuronal membranes, impair neurotransmitter synthesis, and heighten oxidative stress. The nutrition can significantly impact the development of neurological disorders, mainly through metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU) and homocystinuria, which can lead to lasting damage if not identified and treated early.
Fortunately, new-born screening programs can detect many metabolic disorders at birth. The significance of nutrition during pregnancy is also crucial for brain development. A deficiency of essential nutrients during the last three months of pregnancy can decrease brain cells, affecting the child’s neurodevelopment. Healthcare professionals can take proactive steps to safeguard infants’ and children’s neurological health and well-being by emphasising early screening for metabolic disorders and promoting proper prenatal nutrition.
Physical Injuries
Physical injuries can have severe consequences on the nervous system, and often cause neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs occur when head trauma impacts the brain, and they can be classified into three main types:
- Closed head injuries – where no visible impact is apparent, often occurring in car accidents
- Open wounds – where there is visible impact, usually when an object directly damages the skull and the brain
- Crushing injuries – where the head is crushed by a force or pressure, often resulting in brain damage
Additionally, car and sports accidents are common causes of spinal cord injuries, and spinal cord injuries can lead to various consequences, including loss of muscle function or loss of sensation, highlighting the life-long impact of these injuries on an individual’s health.
Implementing measures to reduce the risk of accidents and head injuries, particularly in children, is crucial to minimise the potential long-term effects on brain functions. Additionally, promoting safe practices in activities like sports and ensuring proper protective car gear can help prevent injuries. Timely and appropriate medical interventions and person-centred treatments are vital for individuals with neurological disorders and their overall quality of life.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play a crucial role in developing neurological disorders. Prolonged exposure to pollutants, such as air pollution, has been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive decline. Factors like air quality and noise pollution have also been associated with increased stress levels and sleep disturbances, potentially influencing disorders like depression and anxiety.
Exposure to neurotoxins can particularly impact a child’s growing system. Harmful substances, such as alcohol, can enter the developing foetus through the placenta during pregnancy, potentially leading to developmental disabilities. For example, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is linked to foetal alcohol syndrome, which causes physical challenges and challenges with behaviour and learning.
Minimising exposure to these substances and creating a safe and healthy environment to support optimal neurological development is essential for everyone, especially children.
Age-Related Factors
Ageing is associated with normal changes in hair, skin, and joints, but it also affects the brain, making individuals over 65 more inclined to develop various neurological symptoms and challenges. Ageing is considered the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding the relationship between ageing and neurological disorders is crucial for developing targeted and person-centred treatment strategies to address the growing challenges of these conditions. Research efforts are focused on exploring potential therapeutic targets, such as genomic stability, protein aggregation, and inflammation, to provide effective and compassionate treatments for improved quality of life for people with neurological disorders.
Promoting Awareness and Support for Neurological Health
Fostering awareness and support for neurological health is a collective effort that can lead to a more inclusive and compassionate society for individuals with neurological disorders.
Creating awareness about healthier lifestyles can empower people to make simple yet impactful changes. Encouraging healthy habits such as adopting a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, managing blood pressure and staying physically active can significantly contribute to better health.
Education is pivotal in raising awareness about neurological conditions, their signs, symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments. By sharing information and resources, individuals can better understand neurological disorders. Additionally, advocacy efforts, such as supporting organisations working in this field and lobbying for increased research funding, can drive positive change and advance the field of neurological health.
Universal access to care, treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive technology is a fundamental right. No one should be left behind, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. Awareness campaigns like World Brain Day provide a global platform to highlight the impact of brain health and the need for a collective effort to raise awareness and make progress.
Neurological Disorders Support with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we provide humanised and person-centred care for individuals with neurological conditions. Our approach is centred around each individual’s unique needs and preferences while respecting their rights and dignity.
With our team of compassionate and dedicated clinicians, we offer tailored support to empower individuals with neurological challenges, helping them overcome difficulties and improve their overall well-being.
Visit our offices in Bristol or Manchester to learn about our proactive services and how we can support you or your loved one.
Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better quality of life.
