Non-Communicable Disease

non-communicable disease (NCD)

aka chronic / degenerative disease; chronic conditions that do not result from an infectious process and hence are “not communicable”'; a disease that has a prolonged course, that does not resolve spontaneously, and for which a complete cure is rarely achieved; complex etiology

NCD characteristics

1. complex etiology

2. multiple risk factors

3. cannot be spread from person to person by infectious agent

4. prolonged course of illness (>6 months)

5. can be disabling, seriously impair daily activities, and lead to death

types of NCDs

1. cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, stroke)

2. cancer

3. chronic respiratory disease

4. diabetes

5. chronic neurologist disorders (Alzheimer’s, dementias)

6. arthritis / musculoskeletal diseases

7. unintentional injuries

8. mental illnesses

US leading causes of death

1. heart disease

2. cancer

3. COVID-19

4. accidents - unintentional injuries

5. stroke - cerebrovascular diseases

6. chronic lower respiratory diseases

7. Alzheimer’s disease

8. diabetes

9. chronic liver disease / cirrhosis

10. nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, nephrosis

burden of disease

often considered problem of high-income countries; increasing in low-middle income countries with economic development, integration in global economy, urbanization, and advancing age; risk factors relate to lifestyle; prevention is often low-cost, but treatment is expensive

modifiable risk factors

a behavioral risk factor that can be reduced or controlled, thereby reducing the probability of disease (no exercise, tobacco use, poor nutrition); can also include environmental and social risk factors (air pollution, unsafe roads, built environment that impedes physical activity)

non-modifiable risk factors

any risk factor that cannot be reduced or controlled (age, gender, race, family history / genetics)

metabolic risk factors

biochemical processes involved in the body’s normal functioning; personal behaviors can lead to metabolic / physiologic changes that contribute to risk for disease (raised BP / cholesterol, elevated glucose, obesity)