Unveiling the Trends: Growing Atrial Fibrillation and Dementia related
Mortality in Older Adults in the United States, 2000-2020
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and dementia are
increasingly prevalent in aging U.S. populations. Their association
raises public health concerns, emphasizing the need to understand
mortality trends in older adults. This study examines AF and
dementia-related mortality trends from 2000 to 2020. Methods:
Using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database, we analyzed death
certificates for individuals aged 65 and older, reporting age-adjusted
mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 persons. Trends were assessed
through annual percent change (APC) analysis via Joinpoint regression,
with stratifications by sex, race/ethnicity, urbanization, and Census
regions. Results: A total of 400,103 AF and dementia-related
deaths were recorded between 2000 and 2020. The AAMR increased markedly
from 25.4 in 2000 to 70.4 in 2020. The overall AAMR showed a steady
increase from 2000 to 2018 (APC: +4.4%; 95% CI: 3.7–4.8), with a
sharper rise from 2018 to 2020 (APC: +9.5%; 95% CI: 4.5–12.2; p
< 0.001). Mortality rates were comparable between men (AAMR:
72.7) and women (AAMR: 71.6). NH White individuals exhibited the highest
AAMR (47.0), followed by NH Black (26.6), Hispanic (23.1), and NH
Asian/Pacific Islander (18.0) populations. Nonmetropolitan areas had
higher AAMRs (48.1) compared to metropolitan areas (43.5). Regionally,
the Western U.S. recorded the highest AAMR at 48.2, while state-level
disparities showed a nearly threefold difference between the top 90th
and bottom 10th percentiles. Conclusion: Rising AF and
dementia-related mortality rates among older adults highlight a need for
targeted screening and intervention, particularly for high-risk
demographics and underserved regions.