Supplementary Material for: Global, regional, and national burden of motor neuron disease: a systematic analysis of prevalence, incidence, deaths, and DALYs with projections to 2036

Background: Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Understanding its global, regional, and national burden is crucial for healthcare planning. However, existing studies have limitations such as data shortages, insufficient exploration of the impact of sociodemographic factors, and a lack of future projections.
Objective: To systematically analyze the global, regional, and national burden of MND from 1990 to 2021, project the trends until 2036, and identify the primary drivers of changes in disease burden, providing evidence for healthcare planning and policy - making.
Method: The latest data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database were used to analyze the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and Disability - Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) of MND in 204 countries and territories. Multiple analytical methods were employed, including trend analysis, Joinpoint regression analysis, SDI correlation analysis, age - period - cohort analysis, decomposition analysis, and predictive analysis.
Results: From 1990 to 2021, the global number of MND cases, deaths, and DALYs increased significantly, while the age - standardized prevalence and incidence rates decreased. There were gender and age differences in the disease burden, and non - linear associations with the SDI. Decomposition analysis indicated that population growth and aging aggravated the disease burden to varying degrees, while the impact of epidemiological changes differed. Projections showed that after 2021, the prevalence, incidence, and mortality of MND would exhibit different trends in the total population, males, and females, with a possible increase in male DALYs.
Conclusions: The burden of MND is on the rise, with differences across genders, ages, and regions. This study provides important references for healthcare planning and policy - making. Future research should further explore the etiology, improve treatment strategies, and implement targeted public health interventions.