A new analysis published in JAMA Neurology on April 20, 2026 reveals that more than half of all Americans, approximately 180 million people, are currently living with at least one neurological disease or disorder. This finding comes from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, which evaluated U.S. data from 1990 to 2021 for 36 conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Researchers used a metric called disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to measure both years lost to early death and years lived with disability. They found that nervous system disorders were the leading cause of disability in the United States, accounting for 16.6 million DALYs in 2021 alone.
Most Common Conditions
The most common neurological conditions in the U.S. include tension-type headaches, affecting about 122 million Americans, migraine, affecting about 58 million, and diabetic neuropathy, affecting about 17 million. These conditions often begin earlier in life and can disrupt daily functioning, even if they are not life-threatening.
Meanwhile, the conditions responsible for the greatest overall health loss were stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine. This highlights the challenge of both how common and how severe these conditions can be.
Trends Over Time
When adjusted for age, the prevalence of neurological disorders in the U.S. has remained essentially flat over the past 30 years, even declining slightly. The increase in raw numbers is driven largely by an aging population, as many neurological conditions are more common later in life.
Deaths from neurological diseases have dropped by about 15% since 1990, due to better prevention, faster diagnosis, and advances in treatment and emergency care, particularly for stroke. As a result, more people are surviving these conditions and living with them longer, with years lived with disability increasing by nearly 10%.
Protecting Brain Health
While genetics and aging play a role, research shows that everyday choices can influence brain health. Factors that support the nervous system include managing blood sugar and blood pressure to reduce stroke and diabetic neuropathy risk, regular physical activity through aerobic and strength-based exercise, prioritizing sleep for brain repair, eating a diet rich in omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and staying socially and cognitively engaged.
Brain health is a widespread concern affecting nearly every family in the country. The burden of neurological conditions is not fixed, as many drivers like stroke, migraine, and diabetic nerve damage can be addressed through lifestyle factors earlier in life. Supporting brain health shapes not only how long people live but also their daily capabilities and connections.
The analysis underscores that neurological conditions are common and long-lasting, intertwined with daily life and aging. The data provides a clear picture of the current state of brain health in America, based on decades of research and health metrics.
