Explore by Indicator

Indicator Short Name: Subjective cognitive decline or memory loss among older adults

Indicator Long Name: Percentage of older adults who reported increased confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse in the preceding 12 months

Indicator Description:

Among people aged 60 and older in 21 states, 12.7% reported increased confusion or memory loss in the preceding 12 months.¹

Declines in cognitive function vary among persons and can include changes in attention, memory, learning, executive function, and language capabilities that can negatively affect quality of life, personal relationships, and the capacity for making informed decisions about health care and other matters.²

Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive decline, possibly due to Alzheimer’s disease. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms first appear after age 60.³

Question:

During the past 12 months, have you experienced confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse?

a. Yes

b. No

c. DK/not sure

d. Refused

Reference:

1. CDC. Self-Reported Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Associated Functional Difficulties Among Adults Aged ≥ 60 Years — 21 States, 2011. MMWR 2013; 62 (No. 18).

2. Wagster MV, King JW, Resnick SM, Rapp PR. The 87%. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2012;67:739–40.

3. National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer's disease fact sheet. Bethesda, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health; 2013.