Temporal Trends in Mortality from Alzheimer’s Disease in Federal District, Brazil: An Ecological Study (2010–2018)

Abstract

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric diseases, particularly dementias, has become more prominent with a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly population. Objective: To verify the rate of increase in mortality due to Alzheimer’s disease in the Federal District, Brazil from 2010 to 2018. Method: An ecological study was conducted, with a time series, about the evolution of the mortality coefficient in the Federal District, Brazil carried out at the Federal District State Department of Health. Mortality rates were defined as the dependent variable and years evaluated as the independent variable—from 2010 to 2018. For temporal trend analysis, the Prais–Winsten linear regression model was used and the increment rate with the respective 95% confidence interval was estimated. Results: From 2010 to 2018, 1665 deaths which had Alzheimer’s disease as the underlying cause were recorded in the Mortality Information System. The results showed an overall mortality rate of 6.55 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, with a higher predominance in females, non-Black people, and those aged 80 years or older. There was an increase in the annual trend of the overall mortality coefficient in both sexes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated a significant increase in the temporal evolution of mortality due to Alzheimer’s disease in the Federal District, Brazil. It was recommended to conduct original studies to evaluate the factors that can cause the disease in order to collaborate in the process of formulating policies in the area of public health and improvements in clinical practice.