Brain Diseases

Topic

Predicted by Dave Ricks to be the next major area for pharmaceutical breakthroughs, citing that they account for 40% of human suffering globally and current treatments are often inadequate.


First Mentioned

9/29/2025, 5:01:46 AM

Last Updated

9/29/2025, 5:08:50 AM

Research Retrieved

9/29/2025, 5:08:50 AM

Summary

Brain diseases, also known as central nervous system (CNS) disorders, encompass a wide range of conditions that impair the structure or function of the brain or spinal cord. These disorders can stem from diverse origins such as infections, injuries, genetic factors, age-related degeneration, cancer, autoimmune issues, and birth defects, leading to varied symptoms and treatment approaches. Central nervous system tumors, particularly brain tumors, are a significant concern in children due to their prevalence and high mortality. While some classifications remain debated, conditions like substance addiction, autism, and ADHD are often considered CNS disorders. The pharmaceutical industry, as highlighted by Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks, increasingly views brain diseases as a crucial future frontier for innovation, with potential for groundbreaking new therapies.

Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Common Causes

    Infections, injuries, blood clots, age-related degeneration, cancer, autoimmune dysfunction, birth defects, genetics, unhealthy lifestyle choices

  • Research Focus

    Next major frontier for pharmaceutical innovation

  • Affected System

    Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Common Symptoms

    Vision loss, weakness, paralysis, cognitive impairment, movement disorders, mood changes, language difficulties

  • Prevalence of Epilepsy

    Impacts 1.2% of the population (3 million adults, 470,000 children)

  • Prevalence of Brain Tumors

    Most common form of pediatric cancer, highest mortality rate among pediatric cancers

  • Prevalence of Mental Illness

    Affects 1 in 5 adults

  • Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease

    Affects over 6 million people

  • Primary NIH Organization for Research

    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  • Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Occurs in about 1 in 44 children

Timeline
  • Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks identifies Brain Diseases as the next major frontier for pharmaceutical innovation, indicating a significant future focus for the industry. (Source: ab9acfb3-d90e-4c72-b46c-7b2b2d5e3293)

    Present

Central nervous system disease

Central nervous system diseases or central nervous system disorders are a group of neurological disorders that affect the structure or function of the brain or spinal cord, which collectively form the central nervous system (CNS). These disorders may be caused by such things as infection, injury, blood clots, age related degeneration, cancer, autoimmune disfunction, and birth defects. The symptoms vary widely, as do the treatments. Central nervous system tumors are the most common forms of pediatric cancer. Brain tumors are the most frequent and have the highest mortality. Some disorders, such as substance addiction, autism, and ADHD may be regarded as CNS disorders, though the classifications are not without dispute.

Web Search Results
  • Brain Diseases | MedlinePlus

    Show More Show Less Related Health Topics Alzheimer's Disease Brain Malformations Brain Tumors Cerebellar Disorders Concussion Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Degenerative Nerve Diseases Dementia Encephalitis Epilepsy Genetic Brain Disorders Hydrocephalus Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury National Institutes of Health The primary NIH organization for research on Brain Diseases is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Disclaimers [...] , which can lead to problems such as vision loss, weakness, and paralysis. Genetic brain disorders, which are caused by changes in genes (also called variants or mutations). These disorders can affect the development and function of the brain. Strokes, which can cause a loss of brain cells and can affect your ability to think clearly. [...] Topic Image Image 36: Brain Diseases MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA Ammonia blood test Athetosis resulting from basal ganglia injury Basal ganglia dysfunction Brain abscess Brain components Brain PET scan Brain surgery Brain surgery - discharge Cerebral amyloid angiopathy Cerebral hypoxia

  • Brain Diseases: Definition & Types - Cleveland Clinic

    Infections:Bacteria, viruses and other organisms cause brain diseases such as meningitis. Injuries: Accidents and injuries cause most traumatic brain injuries. An injury to your brain can also increase your risk for other brain diseases, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Unhealthy lifestyle choices:Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol use are linked to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. [...] Genetics: Certain genes and genetic mutations can cause or increase the risk of many brain diseases. Researchers have identified genes or specific mutations involved in brain tumors, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses. Disease-causing genes may run in families or occur spontaneously. Immune system function:Autoimmune brain diseases happen when your immune system attacks other cells in your body. [...] Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people. Autism spectrum disorder occurs in about 1 in 44 children. Brain tumors and other nervous system cancers are relatively rare, accounting for 1.3% of all cancers. Epilepsy impacts 1.2% of the population, including 3 million adults and 470,000 children. Meningitis is rare due to widespread use of the meningitis vaccine. In 2019, only 371 cases were reported. Mental illness is very common, affecting 1 in 5 adults.

  • Brain Diseases, Disorders, & Conditions - WebMD

    Mayo Clinic: "Meningitis," "Encephalitis," "Seizures," "Epilepsy," "Traumatic brain injury," "Stroke," "Multiple sclerosis," "Dementia," "Alzheimer's Disease," "Hydrocephalus." Cleveland Clinic: "Brain Diseases," "Concussion," "What Are the Actual Warning Signs of a Brain Tumor," "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus," "Subdural Hematoma," "Cerebral Edema (Brain Swelling)" "Autoimmune Diseases," "Central Nervous System Vasculitis." Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Cerebral Abscess." [...] Your brain is made up of many specialized areas that work together. Hundreds of different diseases can affect how well it functions. Brain Diseases: Infections Sometimes, germs can get inside your brain and infect its tissue. Brain diseases caused by infections include: [...] Parkinson's disease. Nerves in a central area of your brain slowly start to break down, which can cause issues with your movement and coordination. Early signs are a tremor (shaking) in your hands, stiff limbs and torso, slowness of movement, and unstable posture. Huntington's disease. This inherited nerve disorder damages your brain cells. Dementia and difficulty controlling movements (chorea) are some of its symptoms. Early signs include mood swings, depression, and being easily irritated.

  • Brain Diseases: Symptoms, Infections, and Disorders

    1. Migraine & tension-type headache (4.5 and 7.9 million people respectively) 2. Stroke (387,000 people) 3. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (250,000 people) 4. Epilepsy (151,000 people) 5. Parkinson’s disease (110,000 people) 6. Cerebral palsy (34,000 people) 7. Multiple sclerosis (25,600 people) [...] Support Us Donate Fundraise Other Ways to Donate Workplace Giving Gift in Will Regular Giving Get involved Migraine at Work Big Trivia Events Volunteer Share your story Disorders What is Brain Disease? Brain Disorders A-Z Alzheimer’s disease Brain tumour Concussion Stroke See all disorders [...] Support Us Donate Fundraise Other Ways to Donate Workplace Giving Gift in Will Regular Giving Get involved Migraine at Work Big Trivia Events Volunteer Share your story Disorders What is Brain Disease? Brain Disorders A-Z Alzheimer’s disease Brain tumour Concussion Stroke See all disorders

  • Brain diseases, disorders and injuries | healthdirect

    Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects your memory and behaviour. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Amnesia Amnesia is loss of memory that is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Learn more about its causes and ways to live with amnesia. Aphasia Aphasia is a brain condition that involves difficulty with language and speech. A speech pathologist can help people with aphasia. Learn more. Brain aneurysm [...] Dementia affects a person’s thinking, behaviour and ability to perform everyday tasks. Discover the causes, symptoms, treatments and support services. Dysarthria Dysarthria is when muscles used to breathe and speak are weakened or paralysed, slurring your speech. Learn about causes, symptoms and management. Encephalitis Encephalitis is a serious brain condition usually caused by a virus. If you or your child may be affected, seek medical attention immediately. Encephalopathy [...] The brain and the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system and handles most of the body’s functions, such as movement, speech and the 5 senses. When the brain has a disease, disorder, or injury (also called neurological conditions), the damage can impact your daily life. Below, you can read about the different types of conditions. Absence seizures