# Global, regional and national burden of neurodegenerative diseases attributable to smoking: A descriptive study based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

## TL;DR

This study examines how smoking contributes to dementia and multiple sclerosis worldwide, showing rising global health impacts and gender disparities.

## Contribution

The study provides a global analysis of smoking-attributable neurodegenerative disease burden using GBD 2021 data across regions and demographics.

## Key findings

- Smoking-attributable deaths and disability from dementia and multiple sclerosis have increased globally.
- Males consistently outnumber females in smoking-related neurodegenerative disease burden across all age groups.
- Lebanon and Denmark show the highest burden for dementia and multiple sclerosis, respectively.

## Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases impose a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Within the context of smoking, the risk of dementia and multiple sclerosis significantly increases. However, the global epidemiological characteristics of smoking-induced neurodegenerative diseases remain unclear.

This study, based on data from the GBD 2021 database, quantified the burden of smoking-attributable neurodegenerative diseases globally, across 5 SDI regions, 21 regions, and 204 countries and territories. The analysis was stratified by age and sex and covered the period from 1990 to 2021, utilizing a descriptive study design. The analysis incorporates transnational inequality assessment, decomposition techniques, and frontier analysis. Projections of the neurodegenerative diseases attributable to smoking burden for 2035 are also presented.

From a global perspective, smoking-attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life years from both dementia and multiple sclerosis have risen. Males consistently outnumber females across all age groups. Significant health inequalities persist, with Lebanon and Denmark exhibiting the highest disease burden for dementia and multiple sclerosis, respectively. Demographic factors emerge as key drivers of this burden.

This study underscores the persistent global health challenges posed by smoking-attributable dementia and multiple sclerosis. These findings underscore the compelling need for targeted health policies and interventions. Furthermore, future epidemiological investigations focused on high-burden regions are warranted.