SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG CURRENT WORKERS AND FORMER WORKERS AGED ≥45 YEARS, BRFSS, 2015–2016

Abstract

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have shown that half of older adults with subjective memory complaints go on to develop more severe cognitive decline within 7–18 years. This study estimated the prevalence of SCD among current workers and former workers aged ≥45 years. Data from the 2015–2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to examine the prevalence of SCD among US workers aged ≥ 45 years who were currently employed or were employed in the past 12 months. SCD is defined as frequent confusion or memory loss within the previous 12 months. Only states (n=28) that collected data on both industry/occupation and cognitive decline were included in this study. The overall prevalence of SCD was 5.9% among current workers and 11.2% among former workers. The prevalence of SCD was higher among current and former workers 65 years and older. Nearly 23% of current workers and 33.5% of former workers had given up on day-to-day activities due to SCD. Current and former workers with SCD were 2.31 and 2.09 times more likely to have other chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes), respectively. Both current and former workers with SCD were more likely to report mental health problems (e.g. depression). Cognitive decline is an important public health issue affecting older workers and their ability to work. Interventions to improve or maintain cognitive functioning may help retain older workers. Future studies need to examine the role of SCD in workforce attrition.