A NEW study examining vascular dementia (VaD) mortality in the United States from 2005 to 2020 reveals a marked rise in age-adjusted death rates, especially in specific regions and demographic groups. Using data from the CDC’s WONDER database, researchers identified over 375,000 deaths related to VaD in adults, highlighting the growing impact of cerebrovascular disease on an aging population.
The analysis, which focused on mortality attributed to ICD-10 code F01, showed that between 2005 and 2015 there was a moderate increase in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), with an annual percent change (APC) of 3.70. However, from 2015 to 2020, this rate surged more steeply, with an APC of 9.07. This trend suggests a growing burden of vascular dementia-related deaths in the later years of the study period.
Regionally, the West reported the highest AAMR at 17.65 per 100,000, followed by the Midwest (12.66), the South (12.60), and the Northeast (8.60). Urban areas showed higher mortality rates compared to rural ones, with metropolitan zones recording an AAMR of 10.9, while non-metropolitan areas trailed at 8.1.
Older adults, especially those aged 75 to 85 and above, were most affected. This age group showed an alarming AAMR of 99.80, emphasizing the vulnerability of older populations to VaD-related outcomes. Furthermore, non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals bore the highest racial disparity, with an AAMR of 8.12, an urgent call for racially inclusive public health responses.
The study’s authors stress the need for targeted interventions to reduce the growing burden of VaD-related mortality. They point to persistent disparities across regions and age groups, underscoring the importance of public health strategies tailored to these vulnerable populations.
Reference:
Ali S et al. Trends in vascular dementia-related mortality in the United States from 2005 to 2020. Minerva Cardiol Angiol. 2025. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5683.25.06719-5. [Epub ahead of print].
