Public Health

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Brazil faces a significant Alzheimer's Disease (AD) burden, with over 1.2 million individuals affected and approximately 100,000 new cases annually.
• Understanding the demographic distribution of AD-related mortality is crucial for developing effective public health strategies in Brazil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare Brazilian public health data on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) mortality.
• To examine the age and gender distribution of AD-related deaths in Brazil between 2020 and 2023.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing epidemiological data on AD mortality in Brazil from 2020 to 2023.
• Data were sourced from the Unified Health System's Information Technology Department.
• Mortality data were stratified by gender and specific age groups (40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+).

Main Results:

• Between 2020 and 2023, 108,768 deaths were attributed to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementia (ADRD).
• Approximately 77% of these deaths occurred in individuals aged 80 and older.
• Mortality increased fivefold in females aged 80+ compared to the 70-79 group, versus a 2.87-fold increase in males; women aged 70+ showed a 1.88-fold higher mortality ratio than men, indicating a higher risk in older women.

Conclusions:

• Brazil's AD and ADRD mortality rates are increasing, mirroring global trends.
• Females aged 70 and older represent the highest risk group for AD-related mortality.
• Enhanced public statistical data systems are essential for effective public health policy development due to the significant disease burden.