Etiology, Risk Factors and Burden

Chronic food defi cits affect about 792 million people in the world (1). Malnutrition directly or indirectly affects a variety of organ systems including the central nervous system (CNS). A number of nutritional conditions are included in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, such as protein–energy malnutrition, iodine defi ciency, vitamin A defi ciency, and iron defi ciency anaemia. Over 15% of the disabilityadjusted life years (DALYs) lost globally are estimated to be from malnutrition (2). This section focuses on neurological disorders associated with malnutrition. In addition, it touches briefl y on the ingestion of toxic substances in food or alcohol, as these also contribute to neurological disorders. Most of the malnutrition-related neurological disorders can be prevented and therefore they are of public health concern. Raising awareness in the population, among leaders and decision-makers and in the international community is important in order to adopt an appropriate health policy.