A REVIEW OF THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS: PREVALENCE, IMPACT, AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Protein misfolding, Neuroimaging, NeuroinflammationAbstract
Neurodegenerative disorders represent a growing public health challenge, with their increasing prevalence and profound socioeconomic impact necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their global burden. This systematic review synthesizes existing evidence to elucidate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for these conditions, while identifying gaps and future directions. We conducted a rigorous analysis of peer-reviewed literature, focusing on studies that examined the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and management of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The findings reveal a significant rise in the global burden of these disorders, driven by aging populations and heterogeneous risk factors, with disparities in healthcare access exacerbating regional disparities. Pathophysiological insights highlight the role of protein misfolding, neuroinflammation, and genetic predispositions, whereas advances in neuroimaging and biomarker research have improved early diagnosis. Current treatment modalities remain largely symptomatic, though emerging therapies targetingdisease-modifying mechanisms show promise. The review underscores the urgent need for multidisciplinary approaches to address the escalating healthcare demands, emphasizing the importance of preventive strategies and equitable resource allocation. By integrating epidemiological, clinical, and translational perspectives, this work provides a foundation for future research and policy-making aimed at mitigating the impact of neurodegenerative disorders worldwide.
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