BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia worldwide, imposing a substantial health and economic burden. In Vietnam, an aging population and rapid socioeconomic changes have intensified concerns about AD and other dementias burden.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to estimate age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) for AD in Vietnam from 1990 to 2021. Trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression, and risk factors were examined based on their contributions to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality. Subgroup analysis by age and sex were also conducted.

RESULTS

In 2021, the ASRs for AD and other dementias incidence and prevalence in Vietnam were 110.09 (95 % UI: 96.21-126.57) and 649.42 (95 % UI: 556.89-744.39) per 100,000 persons which were comparable to those in the Southeast Asia region and globally, with the burden predominantly observed in individuals aged 65 and older. Despite a declining trend in incidence and prevalence over the study period (AAPC -0.185 % and -0.199 %), both DALYs and mortality rates increased significantly (AAPC 0.155 % and 0.339 %). High fasting plasma glucose, elevated body mass index (BMI), and smoking emerged as the most significant risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a decline in incidence and prevalence from 1990 to 2021, rising DALYs and mortality rates highlight the growing burden of AD and other dementias in Vietnam. High fasting plasma glucose, elevated BMI, and smoking are important risk factors.