Epidemiology of unspecified degenerative nervous system disorders: mortality trends via CDC WONDER (1999-2025).

BACKGROUND: Unspecified degenerative nervous system disorders (ICD-10 G31.9) increasingly contribute to neurological mortality, yet national temporal patterns remain unclear. METHODS: We analyzed U.S. mortality data (1999–2025) from CDC WONDER. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes (APCs), stratified by sex, race, urbanization, and census regions. Sensitivity analyses assessed stability. RESULTS: Overall, AAMR increased from 0.66 per 1,000,000 in 1999 to 1.44 per 1,000,000 in 2025. The trend showed four joinpoints: from 1999 to 2011 (APC 1.34%, p < 0.05), a sharp rise from 2011 to 2014 (15.79%, p < 0.05), a decline from 2014 to 2018 (-3.14%, p < 0.05), a rise from 2018 to 2021 (13.38%, p < 0.05), and a decrease thereafter (-1.89%, p < 0.05). Females showed early increases, whereas males were stable before 2011. Racial and regional analyses revealed heterogeneity, with post-2010 increases in several groups. Metropolitan areas showed persistent increases, while nonmetropolitan trends fluctuated. Sensitivity analyses confirmed findings. CONCLUSION: Mortality from G31.9 disorders shows changing trends, varying across demographics and regions. These differences highlight gaps in diagnosis and care, emphasizing the need for targeted public health strategies.