Cognitive disabilities rise among U.S. adults
Self-reported cognitive disabilities among U.S. adults have increased significantly over the past decade, with young adults seeing the highest rise.
Why it matters
- Cognitive disabilities impact daily life and productivity.
- Young adults show the most significant increase.
By the numbers
- Overall cognitive disability reports rose from 5.3% in 2013 to 7.4% in 2023.
- Young adults (18-39) saw rates nearly double from 5.1% to 9.7%.
- Study analyzed over 4.5 million CDC survey responses.
The big picture
- Rising rates of cognitive issues warrant further investigation.
- Demographic differences highlight unequal impact across communities.
What they're saying
- Long COVID and undiagnosed ADHD may contribute to the rise.
- Some attribute the increase to better awareness and diagnosis.
Caveats
- Data is self-reported and subjective.
- Increased recognition of cognitive issues may influence reporting rates.
What’s next
- More research needed to understand causes and develop interventions.