Neurological disorders present a significant public health challenge

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability and an immense and often under-recognized economic burden across Europe, affecting millions and straining healthcare systems and societies.

Neurological disorders as the leading cause of disability

The most recent findings from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021 placed neurological disorders as the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with an estimated 449.2 million people being affected by one or more neurological diseases in the WHO European Region.

A regional analysis, led by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), highlighted significant national variation within Europe, but also a clear, shared challenge: neurological disorders pose a major public health concern.

Migraine, dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy stood out among the most burdensome conditions. Interestingly, the top six remained consistent across the continent, underscoring the universality of the issue. While infectious neurological diseases show a declining trend, degenerative and vascular conditions are on the rise, driven by ageing populations and lifestyle factors.

Neurology consumes a significant portion of Europe’s healthcare spending

The Cost Of Illness in Neurology in Europe (COIN-EU) Project, led by the EAN, quantifies the financial burden of neurological disorders across 47 European countries. By factoring in direct medical costs, indirect productivity losses, and informal care, the study revealed a sobering reality: neurology consumes a significant portion of Europe’s healthcare spending, often without the visibility of other disease groups. In 2019, the total estimated annual cost of the top 10 neurological disease groups across the 47 EAN member countries amounted to €1.23 trillion.

Dementia emerged as one of the most expensive conditions, driven by long-term care needs. Parkinson's disease was categorized by one of the highest proportions of annual direct medical costs.

According to the EAN, the burden of neurological disorders is vast, under-recognised, and economically unsustainable without bold policy reform and increased investment.

Source:

Leone, M. 2025. The burden of neurological diseases in Europe. 11th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, 21-24 June 2025, Helsinki, Finland

Martinez, M., and Walter, L. 2025. COIN-EU: The cost of neurological disorders in Europe. 11th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, 21-24 June 2025, Helsinki, Finland