Ava Durgin, Assistant Health Editor | April 20, 2026
A major new analysis published in JAMA Neurology indicates that conditions affecting the brain and nervous system are exceptionally common in the United States. The data suggests more than half of all Americans, approximately 180 million people, are currently living with at least one neurological disease or disorder.
The research is based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. Investigators analyzed U.S. data spanning from 1990 to 2021, reviewing 36 distinct conditions that impact the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The study measured disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a metric that accounts for both years lost to early death and years lived with a disability.
The analysis found that disorders of the nervous system were the leading cause of disability nationwide, responsible for 16.6 million DALYs in 2021 alone.
The most common neurological conditions in the U.S. were tension-type headaches, affecting about 122 million Americans, migraines, affecting about 58 million, and diabetic neuropathy, affecting about 17 million. These conditions frequently start earlier in life and, while often not life-threatening, can severely disrupt daily activities and quality of life.
The conditions responsible for the greatest overall health loss, considering both prevalence and severity, were stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine.
While the total number of people with neurological conditions has grown, the age-adjusted prevalence has remained essentially flat over the past three decades, even declining slightly. The primary driver for the increase is the aging population, as many neurological conditions are more common later in life.
At the same time, deaths from neurological diseases have fallen by around 15% since 1990. Researchers attribute this decline to improved prevention, faster diagnosis, and advances in treatment and emergency care, particularly for stroke. This creates a situation where more people are surviving neurological events and living longer with these conditions. Years lived with disability from these causes increased by nearly 10%.
Research continues to show that daily lifestyle choices heavily influence brain health. Key protective factors include managing blood sugar and blood pressure to reduce stroke and neuropathy risk, engaging in regular aerobic and strength-based exercise, prioritizing sleep for brain maintenance, eating a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and staying socially and cognitively active.
The findings underscore that neurological health is a widespread concern. The burden of these conditions is not static, however, as many of the leading contributors to disability are influenced by modifiable factors. Proactive management of brain health can affect both longevity and quality of life.
