NCD contribution to the disease burden doubles in India
The contribution of non-communicable and injury-related neurological disorders (NCDs) since 1990 doubled in 2009, but on the other hand that of communicable neurological disorders reduced by 3 quarters, said the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative. The increasing burden is mainly due to an increase in the ageing population of India. 
While communicable ones were the major contributors in children below the age of 5, NCDs were the leading ones in all other age groups, said an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study. Strokes, headaches and epilepsy are the major contributors.
In 2019, strokes alone caused 7.4% of total deaths in the country. The study was done by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative, which highlighted the need for extensive research about NCDs, which can help create awareness, help in early identification and cost-effective treatment along with rehabilitation.
Dr Vinod Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog said that India needs more focused efforts to tackle neurological diseases. The shortage of trained neurology professionals is a concern.
This paper highlights demographic, socio-economic and nutrition transitions within 3 decades. This paper can be useful in the long run to tackle this problem.
