Descriptive analysis of mortality due to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer disease in Argentina

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer disease (AD), along with other nervous system disorders, are the leading causes of global disease burden. Although global trends have remained stable in recent decades, an increase in years of life lost due to these diseases has been recorded. In Argentina, though no prevalence records are available for PD and AD, reliable mortality data do exist. Similarities and differences in mortality caused by PD and AD are analysed in the present study. METHODS: The study was performed in the total population between 2000 and 2019. Age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated. At the national level, annual trends were analysed and comparisons between provinces were made. Subsequently, spatial autocorrelation in the Centre Region (CR) was examined. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2019, there were no statistically significant changes in ASMR for PD or AD, in either sex. In most cases, ASMR in the CR and its provinces were higher than the national average. At the department level, a trend towards the concentration of similar values was observed, with the exception of mortality due to PD among women. CONCLUSIONS: The CR exhibits a higher ASMR than the national average, with rates of mortality due to AD in men in Santa Fe province being particularly noteworthy. It also shows a distinct spatial concentration pattern, with 2 distinct clusters. Further research is required to investigate the underlying sociodemographic and environmental factors contributing to this pattern.