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More than 10 million people in the US affected by confusion, memory loss

Approximately 4 million households in the U.S. have one or more adults experiencing increased confusion or memory loss, according to a recently published study by the CDC.

“Cognitive decline can lead to safety and health consequences and is particularly concerning for household in which the only adult has [increased confusion or memory loss],” Angela J. Deokar, MPH, a public health advisor for the CDC, and colleagues wrote.

Researchers used data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey System – an annual state-based telephone survey of random noninstitutionalized adults – and examined 13 states to assess the number of households that have members with increased confusion or memory loss (ICML).

Out of the 81,012 households included in the study, 10,537 (12.6%) had at least one adult with ICML, with 5.4% reporting all adults having ICML. The rate of ICML increased with the number of household members; 11.2% of households had at least one adult and 18.5% of households had three or more adults with ICML.

A correlation between ICML and household income was noted, with higher-income households of $75,000 or more reporting significantly less ICML (7.2%; 95% CI, 6.6%-7.8%) compared with low-income households with incomes less than $15,000 (21.7%; 95% CI, 20.3%-23.1%).

In households with children aged 18 years or younger, 9.8% reported at least one adult with ICML and 3.1% reported all adults had ICML.

“These findings highlight the magnitude of the problem of cognitive decline and can help inform public health programs and policies. For example, increasing awareness about recognition of signs and symptoms of cognitive decline in self or others can allow household members to seek medical advice and plan for future needs,” Deokar and colleagues wrote. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.