Rising heart failure mortality in Alzheimer's patients: A CDC wonder database analysis of trends and disparities from...

Alzheimer's disease and heart failure are two of the most prevalent disorders in the elderly. While AD-HF comorbidity has been described, the impact of HF on mortality in AD patients is less well characterized. Understanding these trends is vital, as HF-related mortality may represent a preventable contributor with important implications for prognosis, clinical care, and healthcare planning. This study aims to analyze national trends in HF-related mortality in AD patients across demographic and geographical subgroups in the United States from 1999 to 2020.

A retrospective analysis of CDC WONDER data was conducted. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and crude mortality rates (CMRs) were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis assessed annual percent change (APC) in mortality trends, with stratification by sub-groups like age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic region (including census, rural-urban and state level).

A total of 88,481 HF-related deaths were recorded in AD patients. An almost double increase in AAMR was noted, from 6.5 in 1999 to 12.1 in 2020. Female gender (overall AAMR: 10.2) and NH whites (overall AAMR: 9.8) exhibited the highest overall AAMRs. Geographically, higher mortality was observed in the West (overall AAMR: 10.9) and rural regions (overall AAMR: 11.9). Additionally, people aged 80-84 demonstrated the highest overall CMR (overall CMR: 11.9).

HF-related deaths in Alzheimer's patients have risen sharply over two decades, disproportionately affecting older adults, women, NH Whites, and rural residents. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address rising mortality in this vulnerable population.