Mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias en Ecuador del 2012 al 2022.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a primary global concern, and in Ecuador, increased life expectancy has led to a higher prevalence of age-related diseases, including dementias. Objective: To analyze mortality due to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Ecuador between 2012 and 2022, considering cause, diagnosis, sex, age, region, and area of residence. Methodology: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study at the national level, based on death records from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC, by its Spanish acronym). A total of 855,122 deaths were included for the period 2012–2022, within a historical total of 1,709,425 (1997–2022). Cases in which Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias were listed as the main or contributing cause were selected. Results: A total of 8,060 deaths from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias were recorded, with an increase to 6,153 in the most recent period. Seventy-nine percent (79%) occurred in urban areas. Alzheimer’s disease accounted for 60% of deaths, with a predominance among women (62%) compared to men (38%). Ninety-eight percent (98%) were individuals aged ≥65 years. Regionally, the Sierra region accounted for 59% of Alzheimer’s deaths and 70% of deaths from other dementias, showing a 2.0617 times higher probability of mortality compared to other regions (χ²=27.494; p<0.00001). In urban areas, individuals who died from Alzheimer’s had a 1.1730 times higher probability of death compared to those who died from other causes (χ²=4.458; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Mortality from dementias in Ecuador increased significantly between 2012 and 2022, with a higher burden among women and older adults, and predominance in the Sierra region. Public health strategies adapted to these determinants are required. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, dementias, mortality, Ecuador, altitude, public health