Surveillance

Cognitive Decline Module — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

CDC’s Healthy Aging Program used a comprehensive approach to develop a set of questions for use in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to assess and monitor self-reported cognitive decline (Cognitive Decline module [PDF–46K] BRFSS module).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Module are available here.

Reports of data from states that added the module include:

• Self-Reported Increased Confusion or Memory Loss (ICML) and Discussions with Health Care Providers Among Adults Aged 45 Years or Older: 2012 BRFSS Data Reported by 21 States  [PDF 250K]
• MMWR Self-Reported Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Associated Functional Difficulties Among Adults Aged ≥60 Years — 21 States, 2011 [PDF 2M]
• Self-Reported Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Co-Occurring Conditions Among Adults Aged 60 or Older 2011 BRFSS Data Reported by 21 States [PDF 384K]

These data lay the groundwork for advancing public health’s understanding about the burden of cognitive decline among American adults in the United States by providing data for states and territories. Information obtained from the module can be used to understand gaps, develop state and national reports, inform state and local plans and policies, develop programs and community coalitions, and identify roles for public health.

In 2009, five states (CA, FL, IA, LA and MI) included the Module in their state BRFSS survey.  These data were highlighted in a series of model reports that were released in spring 2011.

• State-Level Reports
  • California [PDF–4.8M]
  • Florida [PDF–5M]
  • Iowa [PDF–5.4M]
  • Louisiana [PDF–5.5M]
• Report for Policy Makers [PDF–416K]
• Report for General Audiences [PDF–987K]

For more information about BRFSS, please visit their Web site.

Cognitive Functioning Component — National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

CDC’s Healthy Aging Program is working with the National Center for Health Statistics to assess the inclusion of a cognitive function component on NHANES for adults aged 60 years and older. Questions on cognitive impairment as well as components that assess executive function, memory, processing speed, and attention will be included in the 2011–2012 NHANES survey.

• For more information about NHANES, please visit their Web site.