More than half of the Portuguese may suffer from brain disease

Unew report stresses that more than half of the portuguese will have a neurological or mental disease throughout their lives, “a value that can reach two thirds of the population. The direct cost in health already exceeds EUR 4.7 billion per year”, says a press release. 

Data from the Headway report entitled “Health of the Brain in Portugal: A roadmap for investment in human capital” – were discussed at the “Brain Collective – Healthy Brains, Vibrant Societies” event, which brought together experts in health, economics and public policies, promoted by Angelini Pharma. 

“ Brain diseases are the most prevalent group of pathologies in Portugal. Overall, neurological conditions affect almost half of the population (47.1%). In parallel, mental disorders alone affect more than one in five people”, highlights. 

Thus, “it is estimated that more than half of the Portuguese will be affected by at least one neurological or mental disorder, which may reach two thirds of the population. The economic impact of these conditions exceeds EUR 4.7 billion per year in direct health expenditure”. 

Alerts don't stick around. The report, developed by TEHA Group (subsidiary of think tank The European House – Ambrosetti) in partnership with Angelini Pharma, stresses that “Portugal in only 4.6 neurologists and 13.6 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, numbers below the European average. In the case of epilepsy, 44% of patients do not have regular medical follow-up, and significant gaps persist in their support and representation.”. 

“ We keep separating mental health from physical health, but health is one and begins in the brain. As long as stigma prevents people from seeking help and systems from integrating care, we will continue to fail. These data should serve to unite us in a single mission: taking care of the person as a whole”, said psychiatrist Gustavo Jesus. 

From the point of view of primary health care, Nuno Jacinto, specialist in General and Family Medicine and president of the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine (APMGF), stressed: “The family doctor is often the first door for these patients. We are essential in early diagnosis and follow-up, but we need more training, better tools and effective articulation with hospital care. Strengthening primary health care is the first step towards a more efficient system.”

“The country needs a National Plan for Brain Health, with measurable goals, dedicated funding and an approach that integrates prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. The opportunity is quantified: transform a cost of €4.7 billion into an investment with proven return for people, families and the economy”, the statement ends.