A first-of-its-kind report published Sept. 11 outlines the impact neurological conditions like epilepsy have on affected people, their families and the greater health-care system. The findings provide researchers, clinicians and policy makers with information identifying knowledge gaps and opportunities to reduce the negative impact of neurological conditions.
The report, entitled Mapping Connections: An Understanding of Neurological Conditions in Canada, is the result of the $15-million federally funded National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions.
According to the report, more than 3.6 million Canadians are affected by neurological conditions, including 50 per cent of those living in long-term care homes or receiving home care. The study also found the unemployment rate of people with neurological conditions, excluding migraines, to be 12 times higher than that of the general population.
Additionally, people affected by these conditions are twice as likely to report symptoms of depression, compared to the general population. Affected people also use more health-care services than those living with other chronic conditions, the study finds.
Now that the study is complete, the findings can be used to help improve the lives of Canadians affected by neurological conditions, says Gail Dempsey, president of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance.
“This study will help provide greater understanding of the impacts that living with a neurological condition can have on people and families; identify gaps where more research is needed; and foster continuing partnerships, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for Canadians affected by a neurological condition,” she says.
“The information generated from this important study has paved the way to help us improve neurological care and to guide future research needs in Canada and beyond,” add researchers Dr. Nathalie Jette and Dr. Tamara Pringsheim in a statement.
Other key findings from the study include:
– Thirty-five per cent of adults with neurological conditions report experiencing a financial crisis in the past year
– The number of Canadians hospitalized with traumatic brain injury is expected to increase 28 per cent.
– Epilepsy was one of the 14 priority neurological conditions studied
– Epilepsy is associated with significant direct (health care) and indirect economic costs
– By 2031, the indirect economic costs due to premature death and disability for working-age people with epilepsy is projected to be $2.8 billion
– The study identified areas for more research, including the impact of neurological conditions on children
– Individuals with different neurological conditions share many of the same impacts, such as memory impairments and thinking/problem-solving difficulties
– As a result of this study, the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System has been expanded to track neurological conditions including epilepsy
The study saw more than 130 researchers and clinicians representing 30 Canadian organizations worked with 177,000 Canadians living with neurological conditions who offered insight into their experiences.
Writer: Deron Hamel
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