A major new study has found that diseases and disorders affecting the brain and nervous system are far more common than many people realize.
Researchers discovered that more than half of all people living in the United States have at least one condition that affects the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
The research was carried out by scientists from the American Academy of Neurology and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Their findings were published in the journal JAMA Neurology and provide one of the most detailed pictures yet of brain and nervous system health in the United States.
The nervous system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It controls almost everything we do. The brain helps us think, learn, remember, and make decisions.
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Nerves help control movement, sensation, balance, emotions, and many other everyday functions. When a disease affects any part of this system, it can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life.
To understand how common these conditions are, researchers analyzed information from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 project.
This is one of the world’s largest health research efforts and involves more than 17,000 researchers and experts from 167 countries. The project collects and studies health information from around the world to understand which diseases affect people the most.
For this study, scientists examined 36 different conditions that affect the nervous system. Their analysis showed that more than 180 million Americans are living with at least one neurological condition. This represents about 54 percent of the U.S. population.
The conditions included in the study ranged from disorders that begin during childhood to diseases that develop later in life.
Some examples include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, certain birth defects involving the nervous system, migraine headaches, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and nerve damage caused by diabetes.
The most common condition identified was tension headache. Researchers estimated that about 122 million Americans experience tension headaches. These headaches often cause a dull, tight, or pressing pain around the head and are usually linked to stress, muscle tension, or fatigue. Although they are often not dangerous, they can interfere with work, family life, and daily activities.
Migraine was the second most common condition, affecting around 58 million people. Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines can cause severe pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound. For some people, migraines can be disabling and make it difficult to perform normal activities.
Another major condition identified in the study was diabetic nerve damage, which affects about 17 million Americans. This condition develops when high blood sugar damages nerves over time, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in the feet and legs.
Researchers found that neurological conditions are more common in the United States than in many other parts of the world. Globally, about 43 percent of people live with at least one nervous system disorder, compared with 54 percent in the United States. One reason for this difference is the high number of people in the U.S. who experience headaches, particularly tension headaches.
Even though neurological conditions are very common, the study also found some encouraging news. The United States has made significant progress in reducing deaths and severe disability from many nervous system diseases. For example, strokes remain a major health problem, but improved medical care has helped lower the risk of death for many patients.
The researchers used a measurement called disability-adjusted life-years, often shortened to DALYs. This measure combines years lost because of early death with years lived with illness or disability. It provides a way to estimate the overall health burden caused by a disease.
Using this measure, the researchers found that stroke had the largest impact on health, causing about 3.9 million disability-adjusted life-years. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia followed closely behind, causing about 3.3 million. Diabetic nerve damage accounted for about 2.2 million, while migraine headaches caused about 2.1 million disability-adjusted life-years.
The study also looked at changes over time. Between 1990 and 2021, deaths from neurological disorders decreased by about 15 percent. This reflects advances in healthcare, better treatments, and improved management of many conditions.
However, because people are living longer, more individuals are surviving with chronic neurological diseases. As a result, the number of years people live with disability from these conditions increased by about 10 percent.
The researchers emphasized that the growing number of people living with neurological disorders does not necessarily mean these diseases are becoming more common. A large part of the increase is due to population aging. As people grow older, their chances of developing conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and nerve disorders naturally increase.
The study had some limitations. Certain diseases that affect many body systems, such as HIV, were not fully included because researchers could not separate the specific effects on the nervous system from their effects on the rest of the body.
According to Dr. John Ney of Yale University, maintaining the health of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves is essential for helping people remain active and independent. Healthy nervous systems support people’s ability to work, maintain relationships, participate in their communities, and enjoy everyday activities.
The findings highlight the importance of investing in brain health through research, early diagnosis, prevention programs, and better access to medical care. As the U.S. population continues to age, the need for effective neurological care is likely to grow even further.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Neurology. It serves as a reminder that disorders affecting the brain and nervous system are not rare conditions.
They affect millions of people every day and represent one of the largest health challenges facing modern society. Better awareness, improved healthcare access, and continued scientific research may help millions of people live healthier and more independent lives in the future.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about the power of healthy fats for brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain..
For more health information, please see recent studies about how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability ,and brain foods nourish your mind to outsmart dementia.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
