Cognitive health conditions impose a staggering $4 trillion annual cost on the global economy—equivalent to approximately 4 percent of global GDP. This substantial economic burden underscores why a new global commission has prioritized systematic integration of brain health metrics into economic resilience frameworks.
Dementia alone costs $1.3 trillion annually, followed by depression at $1.0 trillion, anxiety disorders at $680 billion, and ADHD at $366 billion. These figures represent direct and indirect costs including healthcare expenditures, lost productivity, and caregiver burden. The commission’s formation signals recognition that cognitive health cannot be separated from economic planning.
By establishing measurable indicators of brain health and operationalizing them for policy implementation, the transdisciplinary commission aims to transform how nations assess and protect their economic resilience. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
Was this article helpful?
