Global burden of Alzheimer disease and other dementias reveals escalating geographical disparities and metabolic risks: A comprehensive analysis of 1990–2021 data

Keeping current with the burden and risk factors of Alzheimer disease and other dementias (ADOD) from global to national levels is critical for healthcare planning, prevention strategies, and the allocation of resources. In this descriptive epidemiological analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of global burden of disease data to examine the epidemiological burden of ADOD from 1990 to 2021 across global, regional and national levels. The study assessed age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years, years lived with disability, and years of life lost. In 2021, global ADOD burden showed notable geographical disparities across all metrics. The highest incidence and prevalence rates were reported in China, while Gabon recorded the highest death rates. The Democratic Republic of the Congo observed the highest DALYs rates. From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized ADOD rates increased globally. Notably, China saw significant increases in incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability, while Indonesia and Eritrea reported the highest rises in deaths and years of life lost, respectively. The burden growth was most pronounced in high-middle and middle socio-demographic index regions. The study also highlighted the impact of metabolic risk factors on the ADOD-related disability-adjusted life years across regions and sexes. Based on the findings of significant geographical heterogeneity in the escalating global burden of ADOD and its close association with specific risk factors, public health intervention strategies must be both geographically targeted and closely aligned with the predominant risk factors in each region to optimize resource allocation and maximize prevention and control efficiency.