May 27, 2010
The Question
How could disease morbidity be reduced by addressing neurological conditions in developing countries?
What we found
The most cost effective interventions for neurological disorders are phenobarbital for managing epilepsy, ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, and aspirin for treating and preventing acute strokes. Using Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer’s is not a cost effective intervention.
Why it matters
The large burden of neurological disorders is insufficiently recognized in developing countries, especially because mortality statistics are primarily used to measure the seriousness of diseases, and many viable health interventions have not been pursued. Developing countries are in a position to realize a large opportunity to reduce the burden from these diseases if they utilize the cost-effective interventions that are recommended.
