Epidemiology of unspecified degenerative nervous system disorders: mortality trends via CDC WONDER (1999–2025)

Unspecified degenerative nervous system disorders (ICD-10 G31.9) increasingly contribute to neurological mortality, yet national temporal patterns remain unclear. We analyzed U.S. mortality data (1999–2025) from CDC WONDER. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes (APCs), stratified by sex, race, urbanization, and census regions. Sensitivity analyses assessed stability. Overall, AAMR increased from 0.66 per 1,000,000 in 1999 to 1.44 per 1,000,000 in 2025. The trend showed four joinpoints: from 1999 to 2011 (APC 1.34%, p < 0.05), a sharp rise from 2011 to 2014 (15.79%, p < 0.05), a decline from 2014 to 2018 (-3.14%, p < 0.05), a rise from 2018 to 2021 (13.38%, p < 0.05), and a decrease thereafter (-1.89%, p < 0.05). Females showed early increases, whereas males were stable before 2011. Racial and regional analyses revealed heterogeneity, with post-2010 increases in several groups. Metropolitan areas showed persistent increases, while nonmetropolitan trends fluctuated. Sensitivity analyses confirmed findings. Mortality from G31.9 disorders shows changing trends, varying across demographics and regions. These differences highlight gaps in diagnosis and care, emphasizing the need for targeted public health strategies.