Temporal Trends In Alzheimer Disease And Other Dementia Burden In The Republic Of Ireland Versus Globally:

 

 

Author Block: Saad Arsalan Wasti1, Sabreena Ahmer2, Suleman Khalid2, Areesha Wasti3, Nesochi Okezie-Enyioma4.

1King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan, 2CMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences, Multan, Pakistan, 3Continental Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan, 4Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, Belfast, United Kingdom.

 

Abstract:

Background: Alzheimer disease and other dementias (ADOD) are a leading cause of disability and mortality in aging populations. The Republic of Ireland is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with a growing proportion of older adults and increasing demand on health and social care services. A clear understanding of country-specific trends in comparison to global estimates is essential for informed policy planning and resource allocation.

Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study to evaluate age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 (ASMR), incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). ASMR trends were analyzed from 1980-2023, while incidence, prevalence, and DALYs were assessed from 1990-2023. Joinpoint regression estimated annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analyses were also stratified by sex.

Results: Globally, ASMR increased from 23.98 in 1980 to 25.78 in 2023 (AAPC 0.20; 95% CI: 0.16-0.25). Although females consistently exhibited higher ASMR than males, the rate of increase was greater in males (AAPC 0.33 versus 0.18). In contrast, Ireland demonstrated stable ASMR trends. Sex-stratified analysis showed stable mortality trends in females, while males showed modest rises (AAPC 0.14; 95% CI: 0.06-0.22). Globally, DALYs increased (AAPC 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08-0.17), again with a greater rise among males (AAPC 0.22 versus 0.13). However, Ireland exhibited no significant change. The global incidence of ADOD rose from 113.10 in 1990 to 117.55 in 2023 (AAPC 0.13). Conversely, Ireland showed a declining incidence trend (AAPC -0.16; 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.15), with a slightly greater reduction in females compared to males (AAPC -0.14 versus -0.12). Similarly, while global prevalence increased (AAPC 0.16), Ireland experienced a decline (AAPC -0.17), again with more pronounced decreases among females (AAPC -0.15 versus -0.12).

Conclusion: Despite rising global ADOD burden, Ireland exhibits comparatively stable mortality and declining incidence and prevalence. This divergence could indicate potential successes of national health strategies. Importantly, however, rising ASMR in males signals an area for focussed action. Continued investment in prevention, early diagnosis, and care systems could be critical to meet the demands of an aging population.