Trends of mortality from Alzheimer's disease in the European Union, 1994-2013

Abstract

Background: In many countries, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has gradually become a relevant disease in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to analyse trends of mortality caused by AD in the 28 member countries in the European Union (EU) over the last two decades.

Methods: We extracted data for AD deaths for the period 1994-2013 in the EU from the Eurostat and World Health Organization database. Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 were computed. Joinpoint regression was used to analyse the trends and compute the annual percent change (APC) in the EU as a whole and by country. Analyses by gender and by European regions were conducted.

Results: Throughout the study period, mortality from AD has risen in the EU. Most of the countries showed upward trends, with the sharpest increases in Slovakia, Lithuania and Romania. In men and women, we recorded a 4.7% and 6.0% statistically significant increase in mortality rates in the whole EU, respectively. Several countries showed changing trends during the study period. According to the regional analysis, Northern and Eastern countries showed the steepest increases, while in the latter years in Western countries mortality has declined.

Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that AD mortality has increased in the EU, especially in Eastern and Northern European countries and in the female population. Our results could be a reference for the development of primary prevention policies.