Abstract Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are major global health burdens with rising prevalence and significant mortality. Increasing evidence highlights a bidirectional “kidney–brain axis,” where renal dysfunction accelerates cognitive decline, while AD-related systemic inflammation and vascular injury contribute to kidney impairment. However, mortality trends associated with the co-occurrence of AD and CKD in the United States remain poorly characterized. We aimed to examine temporal trends, demographic disparities, and geographic variations in AD- and CKD-related mortality from 1999 to 2020. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database to identify deaths among adults (≥ 25 years) in which both AD (ICD-10 code G30) and CKD (ICD-10 code N18) were listed as causes. Crude mortality rates (CMRs) and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated. Temporal patterns were evaluated using Joinpoint regression to determine annual percentage changes (APCs). Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, race/ethnicity, age, urbanization level, and U.S. state. Results: From 1999 to 2020, a total of 48,770 deaths were attributed to AD and CKD. The AAMR rose more than fivefold, from 0.35 in 1999 to 1.80 in 2020 (average annual percent change AAPC: 5.97; 95% CI: 4.31–8.39; p < 0.000001). Males had consistently higher mortality rates than females (AAMR: 1.13 vs 0.94), though females experienced a steeper rise. Non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibited the highest overall AAMR (1.36), while non-Hispanic Whites showed the sharpest increase over time. Mortality was slightly higher in non-metropolitan areas (1.17) compared to metropolitan ones (0.98), with both showing significant upward trends. The burden was greatest among those ≥ 85 years. State-level disparities were marked, with the highest AAMR in North Dakota (1.94) and the lowest in Nevada (0.37). Conclusions: Mortality associated with AD and CKD has risen significantly in the U.S. over the past two decades, with disproportionate impacts among older adults, males, non-Hispanic Black individuals, and rural residents. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies, early detection, and integrated management of these intersecting conditions to mitigate future mortality.
Ahmed et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: