Epidemiological profile of dementia morbidity in Brazil (2016-2025)

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia represents one of the major public health challenges of the 21st century due to rapid population aging and increased life expectancy. Objective: The epidemiological profile of hospital morbidity due to dementia in Brazil from 2016 to 2025 was described, considering the distribution of hospitalizations by geographic region, age group, sex, race/color, and type of care; additionally, the importance of physical therapy in maintaining functionality, preventing disability, and promoting the quality of life of people with dementia was discussed based on scientific literature. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study based on the analysis of secondary data from the Unified Health System's Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) regarding dementia-related hospitalizations in Brazil between 2016 and 2025. The variables analyzed were: processing year, region, age group, race/color, and sex. Data were organized into absolute and relative frequencies, allowing for the characterization of the epidemiological profile of hospital morbidity. Results: During the analyzed period, 30,623 hospitalizations due to dementia were recorded in Brazil, showing an upward trend over the historical series—rising from 2,649 (8.65%) in 2016 to 4,088 (13.35%) in 2025—with a temporary decline in 2020, possibly related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare service utilization. The Southeast Region accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations (17,226; 56.25%), followed by the South (23.61%) and Northeast (10.41%) regions. A predominance was observed among individuals aged 80 years or older (27.96%), followed by the 70–79 (22.24%) and 60–69 (16.34%) age groups, highlighting a higher occurrence among the elderly. Regarding race/color, the highest frequency was found among individuals self-identifying as white (45.87%), followed by those self-identifying as mixed-race (*pardos*) (29.51%), while females showed a slight predominance (50.4%). These findings corroborate existing literature by demonstrating the influence of population aging and increased life expectancy on rising dementia-related morbidity, while also highlighting regional and sociodemographic inequalities. In this context, physiotherapy stands out as a key non-pharmacological strategy for maintaining functionality, preventing falls, and improving mobility, balance, and independence in activities of daily living, thereby helping to reduce complications and preserve the quality of life for people with dementia. Conclusion: Hospital morbidity due to dementia showed an upward trend in Brazil between 2016 and 2025, primarily affecting the elderly, residents of the Southeast region, individuals self-identified as white, and women. The results underscore the need to strengthen public policies focused on healthy aging, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care for people with dementia. Physiotherapy emerges as an essential component of rehabilitation, promoting the preservation of functional capacity, the prevention of disability, and improved quality of life, thereby contributing to more holistic care and reducing the disease's impact on patients, their families, and the healthcare system.