Surveillance

Impact of Cognitive Impairment Module — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

CDC’s Healthy Aging Program used a comprehensive approach to develop a set of questions for use in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to assess and monitor the public’s beliefs about the impact of cognitive impairment (Cognitive Impairment module [PDF–46K] BRFSS module).

In 2011, a total of 22 states added the Cognitive Impairment Module as an optional module on their state BRFSS. In 2012, 23 states and the District of Columbia are including the module as state-added BRFSS questions. Frequently Asked Questions about the Cognitive Impairment Module are available here.

These data will lay the groundwork for advancing public health’s understanding about the perceived impact of cognitive impairment among American adults by providing state-level data. Information obtained from the module can be used to develop state and national report cards about cognitive impairment, develop state and local plans and policies, develop programs and community coalitions, and identify calls to action.

In 2009, five states (CA, FL, IA, LA and MI) included the Impact of Cognitive Impairment Module in their state BRFSS survey.  These data were highlighted in a series of model reports that were released in spring 2011.

• State-Level Reports
  • California [PDF–4.8M]
  • Florida [PDF–5M]
  • Iowa [PDF–5.4M]
  • Louisiana [PDF–5.5M]
• Report for Policy Makers [PDF–416K]
• Report for General Audiences [PDF–987K]

For more information about BRFSS, please visit their Web site.

Cognitive Functioning Component — National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

CDC’s Healthy Aging Program is working with the National Center for Health Statistics to assess the inclusion of a cognitive function component on NHANES for adults aged 60 years and older. Questions on cognitive impairment as well as components that assess executive function, memory, processing speed, and attention will be included in the 2011–2012  NHANES survey.

• For more information about NHANES, please visit their Web site.