A new study reported an increase in self-reported memory and thinking problems among adults in the US. The corresponding study was published in Neurology.
"Challenges with memory and thinking have emerged as a leading health issue reported by US adults. Our study shows that these difficulties may be becoming more widespread, especially among younger adults, and that social and structural factors likely play a key role,” said study author, Adam de Havenon, MD, MS, of Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, in a press release.
For the study, researchers analyzed healthcare data from over 4.5 million annual surveys conducted between 2013 and 2023. Respondents were asked whether they experienced serious difficulty in concentrating, remembering, or making decisions due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Individuals who reported depression were excluded. Data from 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic was also excluded.
Ultimately, the percentage of adults reporting cognitive disability increased from 5.3% in 2013 to 7.4% in 2023. The trend was strongest among those aged between 18 and 39 years old, where rates almost doubled from 5.1% in 2013 to 9.7% in 2023. Those aged 70 and older saw a slight decline from 7.3% to 6.6% during the same period.
Income played a role. Adults earning less than $35,000 per year had the highest reported rates of self-reported cognitive disability, increasing from 8.8% to 12.6% over the study period. Meanwhile, those with incomes above $75,000 saw a modest increase of 1.8% to 3.9%.
Education factored in as well. Those without a high school diploma saw rates increase from 11.1% to 14.3%, whereas college graduates saw a smaller increase from 2.1% to 3.6%.
"These findings suggest we're seeing the steepest increases in memory and thinking problems among people who already face structural disadvantages. We need to better understand and address the underlying social and economic factors that may be driving this trend,” said de Havenon.
Sources: Neurology, Science Daily