The mortality due to motor neuron disease is on the rise in the United States. In this study we explored these trends from 1999-2020, using age adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) to pinpoint incongruities between epidemiological groups.

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. The most common form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), presents with symptoms such as dysarthria, dysphagia, and respiratory compromise, which leads to morbidity and mortality.

Our study conducted an in-depth search of the CDC Wonder database, based on the incidence of motor neuron disease related Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals. Employing Join point Regression Analysis, we assessed Parallelism and computed Annual Percent Changes (APC) with a 95% Confidence Interval. For a p<0.05, the test of parallelism was considered significant for unparalleled.

From 1999-2020, a total of 154771 deaths were reported due to motor neuron disease. The overall AAMR showed a slight decline from 1999-2014, with an APC of -0.06. Later, the AAMR declined greatly from 2014-2017, with an APC of -5.42. The AAMR then showed a rise from 2014-2020, with an APC of 0.83. The highest mortality populations were Males and Whites. The geographical hotspots for mortality were Small Metro and Midwest. Tests for parallelism revealed non-disparate trends across gender (p=0.24), Black and White races (p=0.79), urban versus rural demographics (p=0.55).  However, the parallelism test in Midwest versus South (p=0.007) was significant.

The recent rise in the motor neuron disease associated mortality and the disparity among the demographic variables warrants more investigation, and the planning of targeted interventions.