Spiritual Dimension in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Mapping Review

Spirituality and neurosurgery: A salutogenic current perspective

AIM

This systematic review aims to determine how spirituality influences prehabilitation and post-operative patient outcomes along with their coping mechanisms while undergoing Neurosurgical intervention. We have endeavoured to explore the feasibility of safe integration of this concept into Neurosurgical care provision.

METHOD

A literature search was carried out and articles were retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane database using specific keywords. We identified a total of 381 studies that fit our criteria and were analysed using PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

This review summarises evidence that spirituality significantly impacts multiple domains of neurosurgical patient care. Studies indicate that spirituality fosters meaning, hope, and comfort, aiding patients in coping with neurosurgical conditions like brain and spinal tumours. Patients with higher spirituality exhibited improved postoperative outcomes, including faster recovery, better quality of life, and greater healthcare satisfaction. The ethical necessity of addressing spiritual needs, particularly regarding end-of-life decisions and respecting cultural beliefs was also examined. Some types of spirituality measures showed more positive outcomes in patients than others. While a few studies found no association between quality of life and complementary spiritual therapies, trends have shifted. Neuroimaging research has identified potential neurobiological correlates of spiritual experiences in regions like the parietal lobe and prefrontal cortex. The World Health Organisation (WHO) now includes spirituality in the holistic approach to palliative care for terminal patients.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests beneficial outcomes from utility of spirituality tools such as meditation, yoga, mantram repetition, exercise, and support groups. These can be safely integrated in provision of a salutogenic approach to improve overall outcome in patients undergoing neurosurgery. This is the first study to focus on spirituality in Neurosurgery aiming for holistic care provision across the globe. We believe that it is feasible to bring in a change to patient's care balancing mind, body and spirit integrated with excellent Neurosurgical care.

Association between Religiousness and Quality of Life among Patients in Brazil diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

The importance of religiousness in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) has been the subject of conflicting research. The impact of religiousness on quality of life and depressive symptoms has also been poorly studied in this population. This study investigated the correlation between religiousness and quality of life in patients with IPD. We evaluated 37 patients with IPD (according to the criteria of the Movement Disorders Society) who were from an outpatient clinic specializing in movement disorders in Brazil. We assessed the patients using the Duke University Religion Index and scales for motor impairment, cognition, quality of life, and depression. Spearman's test was used to check for possible correlations between the different dimensions of religiousness and the clinical variables analyzed. Patients with a worse quality of life and more depressive symptoms showed greater intrinsic religiousness.

The Relationship Between Religious Coping, Spirituality, and Disease Self-Management Among Parkinson's Patients in Turkey

Religion and spirituality can be important motivational tools in the management of Parkinson's disease. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between religious coping methods, spirituality, and disease self-management levels in Parkinson's patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 294 Parkinson's patients. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and structural equation modeling were used in the analysis of the data. This study showed that Parkinson's patients adopted both positive and negative religious coping styles, demonstrated good levels of spirituality, and had high levels of disease self-management. A statistically significant relationship was found between the positive and negative religious coping levels of Parkinson's patients and their levels of spirituality and disease self-management (p < 0.05). Health professionals may consider and support Parkinson's patients' use of religion as a coping mechanism, as this may help manage Parkinson's disease.

Spirituality and Influencing Factors in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review

Although the effect of spirituality in chronic disease has been discussed in recent years, little is known about spirituality and spiritual beliefs in Parkinson's disease. In this scoping review, the databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched and initially identified 914 studies. A total of nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. It was found age, gender, education level, emotional changes, region of onset of Parkinson's disease, severity of symptoms, quality of life, religion affiliation and acceptance of Parkinson's disease influence spirituality in people with Parkinson's disease. In this context, future studies should focus on the relationship between Parkinson's disease and spirituality.

Global synergistic actions to improve brain health for human development

The global burden of neurological disorders is substantial and increasing, especially in low-resource settings. The current increased global interest in brain health and its impact on population wellbeing and economic growth, highlighted in the World Health Organization's new Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders 2022-2031, presents an opportunity to rethink the delivery of neurological services. In this Perspective, we highlight the global burden of neurological disorders and propose pragmatic solutions to enhance neurological health, with an emphasis on building global synergies and fostering a 'neurological revolution' across four key pillars - surveillance, prevention, acute care and rehabilitation - termed the neurological quadrangle. Innovative strategies for achieving this transformation include the recognition and promotion of holistic, spiritual and planetary health. These strategies can be deployed through co-design and co-implementation to create equitable and inclusive access to services for the promotion, protection and recovery of neurological health in all human populations across the life course.