Demographic and health status differences among people aged 45 or older with and without functional difficulties related to increased confusion or memory loss, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
We examined the demographic and health characteristics of people aged 45 years or older in 21 states with self-reported increased confusion or memory loss (ICML) (n = 10,583) by whether or not they also reported functional difficulties related to ICML. We used data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System optional module on impact of cognitive impairment. After adjusting for demographic differences, we found that respondents with ICML and functional difficulties were significantly more likely than those with ICML and no functional difficulties to report frequent poor physical health, frequent poor mental health, limited activity due to poor physical or mental health, and a need for more help. Further understanding of the implications for long-term services and supports is needed.
Healthy Aging Program, Division of Population Health (MS F78), 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341. Email: laa0@cdc.gov. Dr Anderson is also affiliated with the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Lynda A
LA
Anderson
Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Angela
A
Deokar
Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Valerie J
VJ
Edwards
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.
Erin D
ED
Bouldin
Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Kurt J
KJ
Greenlund
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D003221:Confusion / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology