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Burden of Neurological Diseases, Disorders
and Injuries in Canada
The first report to look at the cost impact
of neurological diseases and injuries in Canada shows that multiple
sclerosis
ranks third in indirect total cost.
The report The Burden of Neurological Diseases, Disorders
and Injuries in Canada points out that neurological conditions have
a significant economic impact, costing an estimated $8.8 billion
a year, based on 2000-2001 data. It was released in June at the
annual meeting of the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation
(CNSF) in Edmonton.
In terms of the impact of indirect costs, multiple sclerosis,
at almost $1 billion per year, was third following only stroke
and Alzheimer’s disease. The report looks at both direct
and indirect costs of 11 conditions. Direct costs include money
spent on hospital care, physician care and drugs. Indirect costs
represent the dollar value of productivity lost due to long-term
illness or premature death.
“The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada welcomes this
report which shows that neurological diseases and injuries have
a significant impact in Canada. In fact, it is likely the direct
and indirect cost impact of MS is even higher than the almost
$1 billion indicated in the report since there were limitations
on the data collected. We know that most costs are borne by people
with themselves and their families,” said Deanna Groetzinger,
vice-president, Government Relations and Policy.
“In addition, besides providing an overview of the burden
of neurological diseases and injuries which will be helpful with
our work with governments and donors, the report is also valuable
in identifying gaps in information that should be pursued in
future studies, she said.
The report is based on 2000-2001 data on 11 common neurological
conditions. An additional 20 neurological conditions are described
in the report but not included in the cost calculations because
of the lack of data.
The report was produced by the Canadian
Institute for Health Information with economic data from the Public Health Agency
of Canada. It was commissioned by the CNSF and its partners group,
the Canadian Brain and Nerve Health Coalition, of which the MS
Society is a member.
Read full
report on our website.
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