INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY FROM DEMENTIA IN BRAZIL: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article examines hospitalizations and deaths attributable to dementia in Brazil through an ecological study utilizing DATASUS (Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System) data. Data collected on secondary research base on hospitalization and mortality rates among the population aged over 60 years, considering sex, age, ethnicity, Brazilian macroregions, and costs over a five-year period (2019 to 2023). The study observed an increase in the incidence of hospitalization rates, mortality rates over the years, and population aging. Additionally, there was a higher incidence and mortality associated with the female sex. Regarding ethnicity, most hospitalizations occurred among white individuals, while the highest mortality rate was observed among Black individuals. The Southeast region exhibited the highest incidence of hospitalization, whereas the Central-West region showed the highest mortality rate. The costs of hospital services demonstrated an increase due to the growth in hospitalizations over the years. Dementia is a multifactorial disease therefore further studies are necessary to establish clear causal relationships between risk factors that justify these results and to promote public policies for dementia prevention and health improvement in the population.