Temporal trend of mortality due to Parkinson's disease in older people in Brazil, 2002-2021.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile and analyze the temporal trend of deaths due to Parkinson's disease among the elderly in Brazil from 2002 to 2021.

Methods: Descriptive and temporal trend study using data from the Mortality Information System. Annual percent change (APC) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using the Prais-Winsten regression model.

Results: Among the 57,723 deaths, there was a higher frequency in males (54.7%), individuals aged ≥ 80 years (57.7%), and White individuals (75.0%). Mortality trends increased in both males (APC = 3.32; 95%CI 2.49; 4.16) and females (APC = 2.81; 95%CI 1.80; 3.82); across all age groups, particularly ages 70-79 (APC = 4.93; 95%CI 2.98; 6.91); and in all Brazilian regions, especially the Northeast (APC = 6.79; 95%CI 4.35; 9.30).

Conclusion: Deaths due to Parkinson's disease were more frequent among males and the oldest age groups, with an increasing mortality trend observed over the period.

Main results: An increasing trend in mortality due to Parkinson's disease was found among elderly people of both sexes, of all age groups and in all Brazilian regions in the period.

Implications for services: The increase in mortality due to Parkinson's disease implies greater demand for health care services and, consequently, contributes to the financial burden related to diagnosis and treatment of people with the disease.

Perspectives: Investing in research and technologies for timely diagnosis, treatment and health recovery are crucial. Furthermore, the need exists to promote health policies that guarantee equitable access to specialized services.