MORTALITY FROM NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES IN BRAZIL: TEMPORAL TRENDS, CHANGES IN DIAGNOSTIC PROFILE, AND REGIONAL INEQUALITIES, 2010–2024

Abstract

Objective: To analyze temporal trends in mortality from neurodegenerative diseases in Brazil, according to diagnostic categories of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), sociodemographic characteristics, place of death, and regional distribution from 2010 to 2024. Methods: This was a nationwide ecological time-series study using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Deaths whose underlying cause was classified between G10 and G37 of ICD-10 were included. Records with unknown sex were proportionally redistributed. Data were grouped into three five-year periods and analyzed by diagnostic category, sex, age group, race/skin color, education, marital status, place of death, and macro-region, using absolute and relative frequencies and percentage variation. Results: A total of 435,791 deaths from neurodegenerative diseases were recorded, with a 113.00% increase between 2010–2014 and 2020–2024. Alzheimer’s disease (G30) remained the leading cause, accounting for approximately 70% of deaths and increasing by 112.72%. Other degenerative diseases of the nervous system (G31) showed the greatest proportional increase (272.81%), while Parkinson’s disease (G20) remained the second most frequent category. Female predominance, increasing concentration among individuals aged 60 years or older, growth among Black and Brown populations, fewer missing records, hospital predominance, and rising home deaths were observed. Conclusion: Mortality increased markedly, reflecting population aging, diagnostic changes, and regional inequalities.