Reducing the Prevalence of Immune-Based Chronic Disease

Abstract

As described in prior chapters of this book, chronic diseases connected to immune and inflammatory dysfunction are often categorized based on the affected tissues and, as a result, can be overlooked as being immune-mediated diseases. These diseases are numerous in nature, costly to individuals, families and nations, and pervasive. They represent an emerging global health threat where effective strategies capable of reducing disease prevalence have been slow to emerge. This concluding chapter includes information on four additional immune/inflammatory-based diseases or conditions: psoriasis, autoimmune thyroiditis, frailty, and an isolation-withdrawal state. It also provides an overview of plans for reducing the risk of immune-based chronic disease and emphasizes the importance of acting early in life and using safety data that are directly relevant to priority chronic diseases. The risk-reduction strategy combines four key components: widespread outcome-based safety testing that precedes human exposure, whole-life-considered therapeutic interventions, strategic research, and effective public health policies.