Early-onset Alzheimer's disease mortality in the United States: A population-based study of trends and disparities,2015

Abstract

Background

Population-level data on trends and disparities in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) mortality are limited.

Objective

This study aimed to examine demographic disparities and trends in mortality from EOAD in the US from 2015 to 2024.

Methods

We analyzed US mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER), 2015–2024. We examined and identified mortality from EOAD as the underlying cause of death (UCD) using the International Classification of Disease-10-Clinical Modification code, G30.0. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 population were extracted. Temporal trends were assessed with Joinpoint regression, and demographic disparities were analyzed and compared using rate ratios (RR) of AAMRs. Sensitivity analysis compared EOAD trends with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (G30.1).

Results

Among 4890 EOAD-related deaths (63.7% female), mortality increased from 0.14 to 2.59 per 1,000,000 between 2015 and 2024 (annual percent change: +19.96%). Females had higher mortality than males (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.40 to 1.59). Non-Hispanic White individuals and residents of the Midwest exhibited the highest mortality rates. The mean age at death was 69.8 years, with the greatest number of deaths occurring between the ages of 65 and 74 years. In comparison, the increase in late-onset Alzheimer's disease mortality was lower than that of EOAD.

Conclusions

Reported EOAD mortality increased markedly in the US, with significant sex, racial, and regional disparities. These findings highlight persistent inequities in EOAD diagnosis and care and underscore the need for improved recognition and equitable access to specialized dementia care.

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease cause of death early-onset Alzheimer's disease epidemiology ethnic groups geographic factors health disparities mortality population surveillance sex factors

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Early-onset Alzheimer's disease mortality in the United States: A population-based study of trends and disparities,2015–2024