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Neuroepidemiology is a specialized branch of epidemiology that focuses on understanding the patterns, causes, and effects of neurological disorders in populations. It combines epidemiological principles(studying disease distribution and determinants)with neurology, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders. By investigating how conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis occur in different groups, neuroepidemiology aims to uncover their risk factors and underlying mechanisms.
Neuroepidemiology encompasses a wide range of factors including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and social determinants that contribute to the onset and progression of neurological disorders. It seeks to identify patterns among demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and geographic location to better understand disease prevalence and incidence. Additionally, neuroepidemiology assesses the public health impact of neurological disorders, including their burden on healthcare systems, their effects on patient quality of life, and their implications for healthcare policy and resource allocation.
Integrating clinical neurology, statistical analysis, and public health strategies, neuroepidemiology provides insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological diseases. It helps in designing and implementing strategies for disease prevention, managing the impact of neurological disorders on public health, and allocating resources, treatment protocols, and rehabilitation programs for patients.
For instance:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Epidemiological research has revealed geographic and genetic patterns, advancing our understanding of MS etiology and treatment.
Epilepsy: Epidemiological studies identify triggers and risk factors, aiding in the development of management strategies and antiepileptic drugs.
Parkinson's disease: Research on environmental and genetic risk factors has improved our understanding of disease mechanisms and guided neuroprotective therapy research.
neuroepidemiology plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge about neurological disorders, enhancing patient care, and shaping public health policies to improve population health.
References:
1. Kurtzke JF. An introduction to neuroepidemiology. Neurol Clin. 1996 May;14(2):255-72. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8619(05)70255-3. PMID: 8827170.
2. Roman, G.C., 1996. Neuroepidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clues to aetiology and pathogenesis. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 61(2), p.131.
3. WHO, 2020. Neurological Disorders: Public Health Challenges. [online]
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/neurological-disorders-public-health-challenges
4. Bennett, D. A., Brayne, C., Feigin, V. L., Barker-Collo, S., Brainin, M., Davis, D., ... & Svenson, L. W. (2015). Development of the standards of reporting of neurological disorders (STROND) checklist: a guideline for the reporting of incidence and prevalence studies in neuroepidemiology. Neurology, 85(9), 821-828.
5. Schoenberg, B.S., 1982. Clinical neuroepidemiology in developing countries: neurology with few neurologists. Neuroepidemiology, 1(3), pp.137-142.
an interesting read indeed.
Missing from this list is the very interesting finding that of the 6 or so ubiquitous viruses that we generally all have, apparently having one or more of them is a requirement for MS and some Parkinson's. For example, see https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/links-found-between-viruses-and-neurodegenerative-diseases, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669485/, and https://www.newscientist.com/article/2304340-strongest-evidence-yet-that-ms-is-caused-by-epstein-barr-virus/. From that last ref: "Now, a study of 10 million military personnel in the US has shown that virtually every case of MS is preceded by infection with the [the common Epstein-Barr] virus. The finding suggests a vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus could greatly reduce the incidence of MS."
Yes. The bridge between neuroscience and epidemiology needs to be further explored for the treatment of certain specific diseases in the field of human health.
Neuroepidemiology's impact on public health is profound, especially in tackling diseases like MS and Parkinson's. For those traveling in Los Angeles, I highly recommend this top car service for a seamless experience. https://laxcar.com
Is it true that some populations are more likely to develop neurological disorders?