Mortalidad por enfermedades neurodegenerativas en el Ecuador.

Abstract

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases represent a growing public health problem due to population aging. Disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other dementias generate high levels of disability, dependence, and mortality among older adults. Objective: To determine mortality from neurodegenerative diseases in Ecuador. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study based on secondary data analysis. Results: A total of 1,353 deaths from neurodegenerative diseases in Ecuador were analyzed, with a predominance of women (56%), individuals of Ecuadorian nationality (98%), and older adults, with a median age of 85 years. Alzheimer’s disease was the leading cause of death (51%), followed by Parkinson’s disease (21%) and dementias. Alzheimer’s disease and dementias predominated among women and increased with age, while Parkinson’s disease was more frequent among men. Most deaths occurred at home (69%) and involved urban residents (80%), showing a greater concentration of mortality from these diseases among older adults, especially women and the urban population. Conclusion: The study analyzed 1,353 deaths from neurodegenerative diseases in Ecuador during 2024, showing higher mortality among older adults and women. Alzheimer’s disease was the leading cause of death (51%), followed by Parkinson’s disease (21%). Most deaths corresponded to the urban and mestizo populations. The results highlight the influence of age and sex, as well as the need to strengthen prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care.

Keywords: neurological disease, cognitive impairment, older adult, Alzheimer’s disease