The National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions
In 2009, the Government of Canada invested $15 million over four years to fund the first-ever National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions.
The purpose of the study is to fill gaps in knowledge about neurological conditions and their impacts on individuals, their families, caregivers and health care systems.
The objectives of the study are to better understand the:
- scope of neurological conditions in Canada (incidence, prevalence, and co-morbidities).
- risk factors for the development and progression of neurological conditions.
- use of health services, gaps in services, and recommended improvements.
- impacts of neurological conditions now and projected over the next 20 years including economic cost.
In order to pursue these objectives, the study is using four main approaches:
The study was initially shaped with advice from Expert Advisory Groups comprised of over 50 experts from the Canadian neurological research community. With consideration given to both the potential population disease burden and key knowledge gaps, 14 neurological conditions were selected as part of the overall study and these include:
- Alzheimer's disease and related dementia
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Brain tumours
- Cerebral palsy
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Huntington disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neurotrauma (including brain and spinal cord injuries)
- Parkinson's disease
- Spina bifida
- Tourette syndrome