 | Brain Facts: |
The human brain is one of the most complex organs known to exist. It consists of over 14 billion neurons with each neuron capable of making up to 15,000 interconnections with other neurons. The potential impact of any type of neural dysfunction is enormous both in terms of its consequences for the individual and cost to society.
· 50 million Americans have a permanent, neurological disability that limits their daily activities.
· 18 million Americans suffer from depression and 2 million suffer from schizophrenia, the most chronic and disabling of mental illnesses. Cost: $76.2 billion annually.
· 4 million older Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and 500,000 from Parkinson’s Disease while 3 million incidences of stroke and 250,000 cases of traumatic spinal cord injury are reported each year. Cost: $146 billion.
· 14 million adult Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation. Total Cost: $100.6 billion annually.
In total, brain-related diseases
and injuries are estimated to exceed over half a trillion dollars a year in health care,
lost productivity, and other economic costs.