The diseases affecting the nervous system can have lifelong impacts on patients, disrupting brain development and damaging the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves (1). These conditions can compromise cognitive, sensory, socio-emotional, and motor functions and behaviors (2). This diverse group of neurological disorders includes congenital and neurodevelopmental disorders, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, infections of the nervous system, neuro-immune diseases, neuromuscular or peripheral nervous system diseases, traumatic injuries, and cancers of the nervous system, collectively referred to as neurological diseases. These neurological diseases vary widely in their etiologies, symptoms, and disease progression (3). Among them, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, spinal cord diseases, intracranial tumors, and craniocerebral trauma are the most common, causing significant impairment to cognitive functions and contributing to one of the highest global rates of morbidity, disability, and mortality. The outcomes of these diseases range from related functional impairments to severe lifelong disabilities or even death. While some of these conditions are treatable or preventable, others remain incurable. Over time, their epidemiological patterns have undergone significant changes, primarily due to population growth, aging, urbanization, and increased life expectancy, raising concerns about the increasing number of neurological disease cases and the associated global disease burden (4). More than 3.4 billion people worldwide are affected by neurological diseases, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and intervention (5). Studies from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database emphasize the significant morbidity and mortality associated with neurological diseases, underscoring the high disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) resulting from these conditions (6).

The extension of life expectancy can be regarded as one of the greatest achievements of healthcare systems worldwide (7). However, this increase has also led to a rise in age-related neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease. This shift demands that global health policies not only focus on survival but also prioritize minimizing health losses caused by disabilities by promoting functionality and independence. It’s important to note that not all neurological burdens are associated with population aging (8), making it crucial to quantify the overall health losses related to neurological conditions across the entire lifecycle (9).

Reducing the burden of neurological diseases is an integral part of the United Nations’ third Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to reduce premature deaths from chronic non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030 (10). Due to continuous aging and increased life expectancy, a significant increase in the diagnosis of neurological diseases is expected in the coming decades. However, current research on the global burden of neurological diseases primarily focuses on global and developing country contexts, with limited studies in developed countries (11, 12). It is well-known that developed countries lead the world in neurological research and innovation, possessing advanced diagnostic techniques and therapies that significantly influence global medical advancements (13). The G7 member countries, as some of the most economically developed nations, have played a pivotal role in global economics, despite their share in the global economy declining somewhat due to the emergence of new economic powers (14). Nevertheless, they remain key economic players facing increasingly severe issues of population aging, leading to growing concerns about the rising number of neurological disease cases and the associated global disease burden.

To address the research gap regarding the burden of neurological diseases in developed countries, we aim to comprehensively examine the epidemiological trends of these diseases in major developed economies using the latest GBD 2021 dataset. Our focus will be on key indicators such as incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. By understanding these patterns, we can better inform public health strategies to reduce the burden of neurological diseases in these rapidly developing regions. Our findings will provide valuable insights to policymakers and healthcare professionals, supporting the development of more effective interventions and public health policies to manage and mitigate the global health impact of neurological diseases.

The data used in this study comes from the GBD 2021 database, a broad and internationally recognized resource managed by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). GBD data is publicly available through IHME’s online platform.¹ The database provides estimates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs for various diseases, including neurological disorders. These data are standardized and adjusted for demographic factors, making them particularly suitable for cross-country comparisons like those in this study. The GBD study uses various data sources, including national surveys, hospital records, and vital registration systems, to ensure comprehensive and accurate estimates. It also incorporates advanced statistical modeling techniques, such as Bayesian methods, to account for uncertainty and generate 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for all estimates. The rigorous methodology and broad coverage of the GBD database make it one of the most reliable sources for analyzing global health trends.

The Group of Seven, as representatives of developed countries, plays a crucial role in leading global public health efforts against health challenges in these regions. While each country within the G7 faces unique challenges, they also share common pressures, such as the dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases, healthcare disparities, and the need for more robust healthcare policies to address these issues (14).

Globally and within G7 member countries, there are significant gender disparities in the disease burden of neurological disorders. Data from 2021 shows that women bear a higher disease burden than men in most age groups, especially in terms of prevalence, which is consistent with previous research findings (10). This may be primarily due to the significant increase in migraine and tension-type headache attacks. Hormonal fluctuations, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can trigger headaches during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause in women (16, 17). Additionally, women are more susceptible to emotional stress in psychological and behavioral aspects, and early maladaptive schemas may also exacerbate headaches through psychological and physiological mechanisms (18). Sociocultural factors, such as women’s multiple roles in family and work, can lead to a high incidence of headaches due to chronic stress, and the lack of adequate social support may further exacerbate the problem (19). In terms of YLL, except for Japan and Italy, men bear a greater disease burden. This is broadly similar to the findings of Voskuhl R.R.’s study (20), which suggests that in multiple sclerosis, men with RRMS (relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis) accumulate disabilities and progress to SPMS (secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis) significantly faster than women, and they also exhibit more severe cognitive impairment and gray matter atrophy compared to women. The significant gender disparities in the disease burden of neurological disorders reflect the complex interaction of biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors. In clinical practice, it is essential to consider gender as a specific factor and develop personalized diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies to improve patients’ quality of life and disease prognosis.

In terms of age distribution, neurological diseases are more common among people over the age of 10, which may be related to the development and maturation of the nervous system. The decreased neural plasticity and the excessive inflammatory response or immune system abnormalities brought on by the continuous maturation of immune function increase the risk of neurological diseases. The sharp rise in mortality rates after the age of 70 reflects the significant impact of aging on the burden of neurological diseases. As people age, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular diseases increases significantly (21), and the incidence and severity of these diseases intensify with age. Aging not only increases the prevalence of these diseases but also exacerbates their impact on health, making it an important driver of the global disease burden (22). This trend indicates that the threat of aging to neurological health has become a major challenge in the field of public health, requiring prevention, early intervention, and treatment to reduce its burden. The burden of disease typically increases with age (7). Different situations can present different age patterns, emphasizing the need for targeted intervention measures and prevention strategies across the entire lifecycle.

Compared to global data, the burden of neurological diseases in G7 countries is relatively low, which may be attributed to their higher medical standards and more comprehensive public health systems. However, the number of DALYs in Japan and the United States is showing a gradual upward trend, which may be related to factors such as the epidemic situation of certain diseases and the allocation of medical resources in these countries. Japan is one of the countries with the most severe aging population in the world (23, 24), and the proportion of aging in the United States is also continuously rising. As people age, the incidence of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease increases significantly (21), leading to a decline in patients’ quality of life and an increase in disability, thereby causing an increase in DALYs. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy is one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases, closely related to the high incidence of diabetes (25). The United States has a high prevalence of diabetes, while Japan, despite strict diabetes management, has seen an increase in obesity rates due to changes in dietary structure, indirectly driving the epidemic of neuropathy (10). Whether it’s the “big city centralization” of medical resource distribution in Japan (26) or the “medical-industrial complex” in the United States (27), both are market-oriented medical models. Remote areas and low-income populations, as the disadvantaged groups in medical resource allocation, often delay treatment due to cost issues, leading to an increased burden of disease.

Based on trend analysis from 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of neurological diseases globally have remained relatively stable overall, but there are significant differences among different countries and regions. For instance, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom experienced a downward trend in the incidence of neurological diseases from 1990 to 1999, while other G7 countries showed an upward trend. This variation could be attributed to different public health measures and medical policies adopted by each country during this period. For example, in the 1990s, the United States implemented the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) (28) and the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC) (29), integrating hypertension and hyperlipidemia management into the core public health agenda and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis-related strokes. Conversely, the DRGs payment system which effectively controlled medical costs but led to inadequate investment in prevention due to an overemphasis on treatment efficiency (30). Additionally, since 2015, the incidence trends for both men and women have increased globally, but G7 countries have shown opposite trends, indicating that these countries may have implemented more effective disease prevention and control measures.

When predicting the disease burden for the next 30 years using the Nordpred Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model, the burden of neurological diseases, including deaths, illnesses, disability-adjusted life years, and years lived with disability, is expected to rise globally and among G7 countries. This prediction suggests that despite progress in some areas, the overall burden of neurological diseases is still increasing and deserves sufficient attention. Notably, Japan has seen a decline in the number of prevalent cases, but the standardized incidence rate remains relatively stable. This might suggest advances in disease diagnosis and treatment in the country, but further research into specific etiologies and mechanisms is warranted.

To the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first-ever application of the Age-Period-Cohort model to scrutinize temporal patterns in the neurological disorder burden across developed nations, with a focus on G7 member states. This model offers unique insights into mortality risk variations between countries and significant trends within specific cohorts, enabling targeted recommendations through subsequent analyses. Our research findings hold potential to inform policymakers in crafting more precise interventions for distinct populations and offer invaluable insights for neurological disease prevention and control in less developed economies.

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the neurological disease burden in developed countries, led by G7 member states. Our findings indicate a higher disease burden among females compared to males for most indicators. Neurological disorders are prevalent in individuals aged 10 and above, peaking between 25 and 39 years, with mortality rates escalating after 70 years. While the overall disease burden in the G7 remains lower than the global average, the United States and Japan exhibit a consistent upward trend in DALYs and mortality rates. Global age-standardized rates have remained steady between 1990 and 2021; however, male mortality rates have significantly risen in the United States, Japan, and Germany. Model projections suggest that due to population growth and aging, the overall number of neurological disease cases is expected to rise over the next 30 years, albeit with stable age-standardized rates. These findings underscore the pressing need for tailored intervention strategies that consider age, period, and cohort dimensions to effectively tackle the challenges posed by neurological disorders in developed nations. Moreover, they contribute valuable insights to neurological disease prevention and control efforts in developing countries.