Public Health, Prevention, and Policy on Neurotoxic Metals and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, are among the world's most rapidly expanding causes of disability and death. They are becoming more and more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to population ageing. This chapter reviews the world epidemiology, risk factors and surveillance, diagnostic and healthcare capacity gaps, focusing on sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the evidence provided by the Lancet Commission and WHO frameworks, it suggests that they can be divided into three prevention models: primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention. The chapter also reviews the policy priorities such as universal health coverage, rights-based care, institutional reforms in Nigeria and concludes with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen equitable responses to neurodegenerative diseases.