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Rising burden of Alzheimer's mortality linked to hypertension: A U.S. population-based study, 1999-2023
Muhammad Shaheer Bin Faheem1, Syed Tawassul Hassan2, Own E Mohammad Najmi3
1Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences, KIMS, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Mortality from Alzheimer's disease (AD) with hypertension (HTN) significantly increased from 1999 to 2023, disproportionately affecting females, NH African Americans, and older adults. Targeted public health strategies are crucial to address these disparities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for adverse outcomes in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- The co-occurrence of AD and HTN increases morbidity and mortality risks.
- Long-term mortality trends for individuals with both AD and HTN have not been comprehensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends and disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mortality among older adults (≥ 65 years) with hypertension (HTN) in the U.S.
- To analyze age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent changes (APCs) from 1999 to 2023.
- To identify demographic and geographic disparities in AD mortality associated with HTN.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CDC WONDER database for mortality records listing AD as primary and HTN as contributing cause (1999-2023).
- Calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population.
- Derived annual percent changes (APCs) to assess temporal trends across demographics and geographies.
Main Results:
- Total AD and HTN mortalities reached 314,914, with AAMRs rising six-fold from 7.1 in 1999 to 41.1 in 2023.
- Higher mortality rates observed in females, NH African Americans, adults aged 85+, and residents of the West region and non-metropolitan areas.
- Statistically significant annual percent changes (p < 0.05) were found across all analyzed subgroups.
Conclusions:
- A significant six-fold increase in AD and HTN-related mortality underscores a growing public health crisis.
- Disparities in mortality burden among females, NH African Americans, and non-metropolitan residents suggest intersecting biological and socioeconomic factors.
- Urgent need for targeted health policies and proactive clinical management of comorbid conditions in high-risk populations.
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