To analyze the disease burden and trends of motor neuron disease(MND) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, providing evidence for the formulation of relevant health strategies inChina.

Data on the incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs) of MND in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the 2021 global burden of disease(GBD) database. The Joinpoint model was used to analyze trends through the average annual percentage change(AAPC). The disease burden differences were further analyzed by age and gender.

From 1990 to 2021, the number of MND incident cases in China increased by 6.87%, while globally it increased by 74.54%.The number of prevalent cases in China rose by 29.78%, compared to a 68.43% increase globally. DALYs due to MND in China increased by 40.08%, while globally they increased by 105.59%. The age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR) of MND showed a declining trend both in China(AAPC=-0.006, 95% CI: -0.006 to -0.006, P < 0.001) and globally(AAPC=-0.001, 95% CI: -0.001 to -0.001, P < 0.001). The age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR) in China showed an increasing trend(AAPC=0.006, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.007, P < 0.001), while the global trend was not significant(AAPC=0, 95% CI: -0.001 to 0, P= 0.082). The age-standardized DALY rate(ASDR) in China showed a declining trend(AAPC=-0.022, 95% CI: -0.033 to -0.011, P < 0.001), whereas globally it showed an increasing trend(AAPC=0.033, 95% CI: 0.028 to 0.039, P < 0.001). Additionally, the MND disease burden was higher in males than in females across most age groups in China, with the burden being particularly heavy in the 45-74 age group.

The overall disease burden of MND in China is lower than the global level, with ASIR and ASDR showing a declining trend. However, the annual number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs continues to increase. Furthermore, there are gender and age differences in the MND disease burden in China, with middle-aged and elderly males being the key targets for prevention and control.