Trend of Increase in Death Rates Due to Alzheimer's Disease

Death rates due to Alzheimer's Disease in the U.S. have shown a significant upward trend from 17.6 deaths per 100,000 population in 2000 to 36.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021. The increase represents more than a doubling of the death rate over 21 years, highlighting a growing public health concern.

Peak and Subsequent Decline in Recent Years

The peak death rate occurred in 2020 with 40.7 deaths per 100,000 population, possibly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was a noticeable decrease to 36.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021, indicating a recent decline in the death rate.

Steady Increase Over Decades Before Sudden Rise

Between 2000 and 2014, death rates increased at a more gradual pace, from 17.6 to 29.3 deaths per 100,000 population. However, the years following 2014 saw a sharper increase, with rates reaching 40.7 deaths per 100,000 population by 2020, demonstrating a significant acceleration in the rise of death rates.

Comparison of Early 2000s to Recent Years

Comparing the early 2000s to recent years, the death rate due to Alzheimer's Disease was nearly twice as high in 2020 (40.7 deaths per 100,000 population) as it was in 2001 (18.9 deaths per 100,000 population). This stark contrast underscores the escalating impact of Alzheimer's Disease on mortality in the U.S. over the past two decades.

Rate of Increase Across Selected Periods

The period from 2000 to 2010 saw an increase of approximately 9.4 deaths per 100,000 population, while the decade from 2010 to 2020 experienced a larger rise of around 13.7 deaths per 100,000 population. This indicates that the rate of increase in death rates accelerated in the latter decade.