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

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To provide information about the effects of increased confusion or memory loss (ICML) in households in the United States, we describe primary respondents’ reports (proxy reports) about another person in their household experiencing ICML, using 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. We used proxy reports on type of assistance needed, effects on functioning in daily activities, and whether confusion or memory was discussed with a health care professional, stratifying by age of the household member with ICML (18–50 y vs ≥65 y). About 3% (n = 3,075 households) of primary respondents reported living with a household member with ICML; 75% of these household members needed some type of assistance, and nearly 60% had discussed ICML with a health care professional. Collecting proxy data about individuals in households may help paint a clearer picture of the characteristics of those experiencing cognitive decline and the potential needs of individuals and families.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Proxy Reports About Household Members With Increased Confusion or Memory Loss, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Edwards¹,

Anderson²,

Deokar³

2015

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“…Several limitations should be noted ( 25 , 26 ). First, these analyses relied on self-report of both COPD and ICML.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The 2011 BRFSS collected self-reported information on both physician-diagnosed COPD ( 16 ) and on confusion or memory loss ( 25 , 26 ) among participants in 21 states. This large sample of more than 100,000 respondents is probably reflective of the heterogeneous population that physicians encounter in general practice.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Functional Limitations Among Adults in 21 States, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Greenlund¹,

Liu²,

Deokar³

et al. 2016

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IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with cognitive impairment, but consequences of this association on a person’s functional limitations are unclear. We examined the association between COPD and increased confusion and memory loss (ICML) and functional limitations among adults with COPD. MethodsWe studied adults aged 45 years or older in 21 states who participated in the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 102,739). Presence of COPD was based on self-reported physician diagnosis. ICML was based on self-report that confusion or memory loss occurred more often or worsened during the prior year. ICML-associated difficulties were defined as giving up household chores and former activities, decreased ability to work or engage in social activities, or needing help from family or friends during the prior year due to ICML. General limitations were defined as needing special equipment as a result of a health condition, having had activity limitations for 2 weeks or more in the prior month, or being unable to work. Multivariable models were adjusted for demographics, health behaviors or conditions, and frequent mental distress.ResultsCOPD was reported by 9.3% of adults. ICML was greater among those with COPD than among those without COPD (25.8% vs 11%; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32%–1.66%). People with COPD, either with or without ICML, were more likely than those without COPD to report general functional limitations. Among people reporting ICML, those with COPD were more likely to report interference with work or social activities than those without COPD (aPR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01%–1.36%).ConclusionFunctional limitations were greater among those with COPD than among those without, and ICML may further affect these limitations. Results from our study can inform future studies of self- management and functional limitations for people with COPD.

“…Based on preliminary results of SMCs by age group for ages 18 to 24 (5.3%), 25 to 34 (6.9%), 35 to 44 (7.5%), 45 to 54 (12.2%), 55 to 64 (12.2%), and 65 or older (13.0%), data were restricted to the 95,147 respondents aged 45 or older. This group included 86.7% of all respondents reporting SMCs (10,583 of 12,205); the same age cutoff was used for these data in another study ( 10 ). A follow-up question for those reporting SMCs asked about the areas in which they need the most assistance as a result of their confusion or memory loss.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Healthy Aging Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed an optional module for use on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that addresses cognitive health and decline ( 7 – 10 ). The first question addresses confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse during the past 12 months, defined hereinafter as subjective memory complaints (SMCs).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Routine Check-Ups and Other Factors Affecting Discussions With a Health Care Provider About Subjective Memory Complaints, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 21 States, 2011

Adams

2016

IntroductionMost adults reporting subjective memory complaints (SMCs) do not discuss them with a health care provider and miss an opportunity to learn about treatment options or receive a diagnosis. The objective of this study was to describe correlates of discussing memory problems with a health care professional among adults reporting SMCs.MethodsData were from 10,276 respondents aged 45 years or older in 21 states reporting SMCs on the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for demographic and health-related measures were computed for discussing SMCs with a health care professional.ResultsAmong all respondents aged 45 or older reporting SMCs, 22.9% reported discussing them with a health care professional; among those reporting a recent routine check-up, this rate was 25.2%. The largest adjusted OR for discussing SMCs with a health care professional was for respondents reporting that SMCs always (vs never) caused them to give up household chores (OR, 3.02) or always (vs never) interfered with work (OR, 2.98). Increasing age reduced the likelihood of discussing SMCs. Among respondents who discussed SMCs, 41.8% received treatment.ConclusionRoutine check-ups may be a missed opportunity for discussions of SMCs that might lead to diagnosis or treatment. The Affordable Care Act requires a cognitive assessment for Medicare recipients during their annual wellness visit, but these results suggest that adults younger than 65 might also benefit from such an assessment.