Survey: 1 in 8 Americans 60 and older report worsening confusion or memory loss
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/june2013/brfss.asp
Nearly 1 in 8 Americans aged 60 and older surveyed reported confusion or memory loss happening more frequently or worsening in the last year. This is according to the findings of the Cognitive Module in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
The findings confirm the growing prevalence of cognitive decline and future implications of an aging America.
Nearly 1 in 8 Americans aged 60 and older surveyed reported confusion or memory loss happening more frequently or worsening in the last year. This is according to the findings of the Cognitive Module in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
The findings confirm the growing prevalence of cognitive decline and future implications of an aging America. It also underscores the need for individuals to talk to their doctors about memory problems. This is the first data ever released through the BRFSS on cognitive decline and its impact.
According to survey results of 21 states, one-third of the nearly 13 percent who reported memory loss or confusion said it interfered with their work, social activities, or ability to do household chores. In Illinois, 11.4 percent of those aged 60 and older — and 20 percent of those aged 85 and older — report that they are experiencing confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or getting worse. Nearly 80 percent have NOT discussed their symptoms with a health care provider. For those with worsening memory problems, 4 in 10 say it has interfered with household activities and/or work or social activities.
While there are not currently treatments available to slow or stop the progression of the disease, early detections allows people to get the maximum benefit from available treatments, consider participating in a clinical trial, establish a support network and plan for the future. Additionally, studies have shown that the ability to educate oneself and plan for the future is a tremendous asset in anticipating challenges and reducing anxiety, depression and stress – and improves quality of care by allowing for better management of other chronic conditions.
There are 210,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and 584,000 unpaid caregivers in Illinois, according to the Alzheimer’s Association® 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures. Alzheimer’s Association chapters nationwide facilitate more than 4,500 support groups and conduct 20,000 education programs annually.