Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Decline Among People With Diabetes: Data From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and SCD-related functional limitations among people with diabetes and to identify socioeconomic and comorbidity risk factors associated with SCD.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) with background variables (race, gender, education, and age), health-related factors (self-rated health, BMI, insurance, and comorbid conditions), and health behaviors (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption) entered simultaneously to estimate logistic regression models of SCD.

Results

Within the sample (n = 5263 adults with diabetes), 48% were age ≥65 years; 50% were male; 55% were non-Hispanic White; and of the 15% who reported having SCD, 57% had functional limitations. Increased odds of reporting SCD were observed among individuals who were Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, P < .001), male (OR = 1.47, P < .01), depressed (OR = 3.85, P < .001), or had arthritis (OR = 1.43, P < .03). Participants with better self-rated health had a reduced likelihood of SCD (OR = 0.51, P < .001).

Conclusions

Health care providers should assess high-risk patients for self-rated cognitive dysfunction and offer early interventions.