An Ounce of Prevention: The Growing Need for Preventive Neurologists.

Abstract

The global burden of neurologic disorders is rising, driven by aging populations and improved survival following acute neurologic events. As a result, more individuals are living with long-term disabilities from conditions such as stroke, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Despite significant advances in neurology, there remains an urgent need for a preventive approach to mitigate these trends. Growing evidence highlights the effectiveness of preventive strategies, including lifestyle modifications and risk factor management, in preserving brain health and reducing the risk of stroke, neurodegenerative conditions, and cognitive decline. Preventive neurology operates within a multilevel framework, ranging from direct patient-centered interventions to systemic policy actions requiring organizational and societal support. Neurologists are uniquely positioned as advocates for brain health, promoting preventive strategies in line with the American Academy of Neurology's Brain Health Initiative. This article explores how neurologists can drive change across individual, family, community, and policy levels by leveraging their clinical expertise, community engagement, and health policy influence. Sustainable progress in brain health will also require system-level changes that integrate preventive goals into the fabric of health care delivery, public health infrastructure, and policy frameworks. Special attention is given to underserved populations, who bear a disproportionate burden of neurologic diseases. Through targeted interventions, public health initiatives, and collaborative care models, preventive neurologists can shape brain health outcomes across the lifespan. Training neurologists with a preventive focus will integrate brain health promotion into standard neurology practice, complementing disease management. By addressing the root causes and risk factors of neurologic conditions, preventive neurology provides a pathway to improving quality of life while reducing the global health care burden.