Abstract
BackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD), characterized by self-experience of deterioration in cognitive performance may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the association of AD with dependence and disability for a long duration, earlier the detection, the sooner people and their families can receive information regarding better management. It is critical to explore disparities amongst racial and ethnic populations with SCD in order to facilitate targeted interventions. The primary objective was to identify disparities in prevalence of SCD amongst Whites, Blacks and Hispanics by select sociodemographic characteristics and functional limitations in a U.S. population-based sample of non-institutionalized adults aged 45 and older. The secondary objective was to assess the association between SCD and select chronic conditions (angina, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) by race/ethnicity.MethodsCombined data (2015–2018) were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to conduct a population -based study. Analyses included 179,852 respondents aged 45 years or older who answered the SCD screening question as “yes” (n = 19,276) or “no” (n = 160,576). Descriptive statistics examined sociodemographic characteristics including functional limitations amongst racial/ethnic groups with SCD. Association of SCD with chronic conditions by race/ethnicity was also calculated.ResultsOverall, 10.8% (CI: 10.6–11.1) of adults aged 45 years or older reported SCD.10.7% Whites, 12.3% Blacks and 9.9% Hispanics experienced SCD. Blacks and Hispanics with SCD were more likely to be in the younger age group (45–54 years), less educated, low income, without access to health care, living alone and with functional limitations. Only half had discussed cognitive decline with a health care professional. Prevalence of selected chronic conditions was significantly higher in all racial/ethnic groups with SCD.ConclusionsDemographic trends predict a larger proportion of Hispanics and Blacks with SCD in the coming years. This information can lead to identification of opportunities for addressing negative SCD outcomes in minorities affected by inequitable conditions.
Highlights
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), characterized by self-experience of deterioration in cognitive performance may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
SCD was reported by 10.7% Whites, 12.3% Blacks and 9.9% Hispanics (p = 0.0013)
Across groups defined by race and ethnicity, higher percentages of adults with SCD had at least one comorbid chronic condition compared to those without SCD
Summary
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), characterized by self-experience of deterioration in cognitive performance may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The proportion of racial and ethnic minorities has been growing steadily over the last decade Minorities, classified as those of any race other than nonHispanic, single-race Whites by the US Census Bureau, currently constitute about one third of the U.S population and are composed of several different race categories—Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. As the population ages and becomes more diverse, the burden of age-related chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are projected to disproportionately impact minorities, both in terms of prevalence and severity [3,4,5]. Are Hispanic and Black older adults at a higher risk for ADRD than non-Hispanic White older adults; research evidence shows there are disparities in the number of years in late life spent with dementia [4]. The number of years expected to be spent with dementia is approximately three times more for Blacks and 3.5 times more for Hispanics relative to Whites at age 50 [4, 5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
