Update February 9, 2007: Some of these links have gone extinct. The Cost of Brain Disorders Report can be found here.

Estimates of the economic cost of neurological and psychiatric disorders vary widely depending on the source, breadth of study and input data. In 2002, the Society for Neuroscience estimated the cost of neurological and mental disorders in the U.S. alone exceeded $548 billion, not including indirect costs. In 2003, Pfizer estimated that the direct cost worldwide exceeded $1 trillion. Research compiled by NeuroInsights over the past year puts the total global economic burden much higher. It's time for faster cures for brain-related illnesses.

On April 26, the final results of a two-year pan-European project on the "Cost of Brain Disorders in Europe" will be presented before the European Commissioner of research, Janes Potocnik, at the European Parliament. The project was established by the European Brain Council and is the first project aimed at analyzing the cost of all brain disorders of the Brain in Europe, bringing together scientific edge in epidemiology and health economics on major brain disorders in Europe. Supporting this work were organizations like the European Brain Council, the European Federation of Neurological Associations and the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks, and The European DANA Alliance for the Brain. (The geographical scope of study was limited to the European territory, defined as all 25 EU member countries and the 3 EFTA-countries (Norway, Iceland and Switzerland).

I've been in contact with the researchers and I believe the world will be astounded by what they finally have to share. In short, we are in the midst of a global mental illness epidemic as populations grow and individuals age.

I'll let you know as soon as they let me. But in the mean time, I recommend taking a few minutes out of your day to think of some one in your life who might appreciate a short email or phone call to let them know how much they have inspired you or how much you appreciate them. Human social interaction is clearly one of the most important components of maintaining a healthy mind.