Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an early sign of potential Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Can you do anything about SCD? Yes, you can. Proven evidence-based actions can reduce your risk of dementia (Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia) and promote healthy aging.
Modifiable risk factors
A recent CDC survey reported that 34.3% of adults aged 45 years and older with (SCD) were more likely to report four or more modifiable risk factors compared with those without SCD (13.1%).
Prevalence of SCD ranged from a high of 28.5% among persons with depression and 24.7% among those with hearing loss to 11.3% among those who reported binge drinking. SCD prevalence increased from 3.9% among those with no risk factors to 25.0% among those with four or more risk factors. —Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Among Adults Aged ≥45 Years
Representative study
The scientists assessed the modifiable risk factors in 140,076 adults 45 and older from 31 states and the District of Columbia. They tapped into the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data. The majority of people taking the survey were 45 to 64 years old (59%), with women making up 53% of the sample. Seventy-four percent of participants were white, 12% were Black, and 9% were Hispanic.
► Reduce your risk of cognitive decline with this infographic
A respondent to the survey was considered to have SCD if they responded "yes" when asked whether they had worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss in the previous 12 months. Of the 140,076 adults in the survey, 11.3% reported SCD.
What risk factors increase the odds of confusion and memory loss in adults 45 and older?
Modifiable is good news
The study found the following eight modifiable risk factors (prevalence of each risk factor reported as percentages):
- High blood pressure (49.9%, prevalence of each risk factor reported as percentages)
- Failing to meet aerobic physical activity guidelines (49.7%)
- Obesity (35.3%)
- Diabetes (18.6%)
- Depression (18%)
- Current cigarette smoking (14.9%)
- Hearing loss (10.5%)
- Binge drinking (10.3%)
► Reduce your risk of cognitive decline with this infographic
Subjective cognitive decline jumped from 3.9% in people with no risk factors to 25% in people with four or more.
Not everyone who reports SCD will develop Alzheimer's disease or dementia. But everyone can reduce their risk of dementia with health-promoting actions. Identify the top modifiable risk factors in your life, then get help improving them.
Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor
Don't put off getting your hearing screened. Find out if you have it, and if you do, we have the treatment options you need to keep your brain healthy. Our free, 15-minute hearing screenings are an easy way to fend off the health risks of hearing loss.
