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Investing in neuroscience education

Neuroscience is not only the last frontier of biology but also an area which, despite enormous need is among the most neglected in Pakistan. Understanding how the nervous system works, what toll the impairment of cognition has on an individual’s life and how cognitive abilities can be improved is critical to the quality of life. Pakistan must invest in basic and clinical neuroscience education to produce first-rate neuroscientists and neuroclinicians to research and treat the vast number of its unfortunate citizens who suffer from neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

Mental retardation and neurodevelopmental impairments

Brain disorders that impair our ability to learn, recall and think are among the most cruel diseases, and it is especially heartbreaking when children suffer from them. It is estimated that between 10 to 20 per cent of children worldwide suffer from one or more mental or behavioral problems. Approximately 39 per cent of the population in Pakistan is made up of children, age 0-14 years. Developmental disabilities start during childhood before the brain has completely developed to its full potential.

Not surprisingly, the prevalence of mental health problems among school-going children is high in most developing countries. The prevalence of severe mental retardation in developing countries is estimated to be 5.2 to 16.2 per 1,000 children; in Pakistan it is estimated to be 15.1 compared to three to five per 1,000 children in developed countries. As in other developing countries, a major concern regarding the identification and treatment of mental retardation and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (such as autism) in Pakistan is a proper diagnosis and combatting the stigma that surrounds it.

Neurodevelopment disabilities are often seen in general pediatric practice. While definitive data for Pakistan is lacking, clinical approximation suggests that over six million (10 per cent of 62.5 million) children are learning impaired, while close to two million manifest some degree of mental retardation.

The population prevalence of these combined disorders of learning rivals that of the common childhood disorder asthma. Most individuals with mild mental retardation and other learning disorders are free of neurological complications, CNS malformations, and dysmorphisms. They are more likely, however, to be born into families of low socioeconomic status, and little education. Poor cognitive functioning and mental retardation are correlated positively with a life of poverty. With a population growth rate of over two per cent, more and more children with mental retardation and neurodevelopmental disabilities are being born in Pakistan every year; a society which remains ill-equipped for early detection, support, appropriate treatment and follow-up of these individuals.


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