Brain diseases
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Brain Diseases: An Overview of Prevalence, Costs, and Genetic Insights
Prevalence and Economic Burden of Brain Diseases in Europe
Brain diseases encompass a wide range of mental and neurological disorders, affecting millions of individuals globally. In Europe alone, the prevalence of brain diseases is staggering, with an estimated 179 million people affected in 20102. These disorders not only pose significant health challenges but also represent a substantial economic burden. The total cost of brain diseases in Europe was estimated at €798 billion in 2010, with direct healthcare costs constituting 37% and indirect costs, such as production losses, making up 40%1. The per capita cost varied significantly, ranging from €285 for headaches to €30,000 for neuromuscular disorders1.
Chronic Brain Diseases and Dementia
Chronic brain diseases, particularly dementias, are a major focus of clinical and pathological research. Dementia, often resulting from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, is characterized by progressive neuronal loss leading to cognitive decline3 9. The prevalence of mixed pathologies in the aging brain, including Alzheimer's disease-related pathology, Lewy body pathology, and vascular pathologies, is high, with complex constellations of underlying pathologies contributing to cognitive decline5. This complexity underscores the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.
Genetic Insights and Shared Heritability
Recent genetic studies have provided valuable insights into the heritability and genetic overlap of brain disorders. The Brainstorm Consortium's analysis of genome-wide association studies revealed significant genetic correlations among psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia10. In contrast, neurological disorders appeared more distinct from one another and from psychiatric disorders, with limited evidence of shared genetic risk10. These findings highlight the interconnected nature of psychiatric disorders and the need for refined diagnostic criteria.
Connectomics and Disease Propagation
The connectomics of brain disorders emphasizes the role of brain-network topology in disease propagation. Pathological perturbations often spread via axonal pathways, influencing multiple brain regions. Understanding the network organization of the brain is crucial for predicting the spread and functional consequences of brain diseases6. This approach can help identify key maladaptive processes and potential therapeutic targets.
BrainBase: A Comprehensive Knowledgebase
BrainBase is a curated knowledgebase that provides a comprehensive collection of disease-gene associations, drug-target interactions, and molecular profiles for brain diseases. It integrates data from 2768 published articles and several public databases, covering 123 brain diseases and linking them with 5662 genes4. This resource is invaluable for researchers and clinicians seeking to understand the genetic and molecular underpinnings of brain diseases.
Conclusion
Brain diseases represent a significant health and economic challenge, particularly in aging populations. Advances in genetic research and connectomics are enhancing our understanding of these disorders, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment. Comprehensive resources like BrainBase are essential for integrating genetic and molecular data, ultimately contributing to better management and therapeutic strategies for brain diseases.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010
The total cost of brain disorders in Europe in 2010 was estimated at €798 billion, with direct healthcare costs accounting for 37% of total costs and indirect costs accounting for 40%.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe Cost of Brain Diseases: A Burden or a Challenge?
Brain diseases are a significant social and economic burden in Europe, with annual costs of about 800 billion euros and 179 million affected individuals in 2010.
Highly CitedChronic brain disease: an overview.
Chronic brain diseases, particularly dementias, require increased attention from psychiatrists for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as the proportion of older individuals in society increases.
Highly CitedBrainBase: a curated knowledgebase for brain diseases
BrainBase is a valuable knowledgebase for brain diseases, integrating disease-gene associations, drug-target interactions, and molecular profiles through multi-omics data analysis.
Prevalence of mixed pathologies in the aging brain
Mixed brain pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body, vascular, and TDP-43 proteinopathies, are prevalent in the aging brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline and increasing the complexity of prognosis and therapy targets.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe connectomics of brain disorders
Brain-network topology fundamentally influences brain disease, and understanding it helps predict its spread and functional consequences.
Highly CitedBurden of brain disorders in Europe in 2017 and comparison with other non-communicable disease groups
Brain disorders accounted for 26.6% of the burden in Europe in 2017, compared to musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and tumors, which accounted for 65.5% of the total burden.
Brain injury, neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's disease later in life, with mechanisms including cerebral amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation.
Highly CitedIs Dementia a Disease?
Dementia is not a disease, but rather a consequence of deteriorating brain functions as a result of cell deaths in the brain caused by various neurodegenerative diseases.
Literature ReviewAnalysis of shared heritability in common disorders of the brain
Genetic variation overlaps significantly across psychiatric disorders and behavioral traits, but neurological disorders show more distinct genetic risk profiles.
Observational StudyHighly Cited