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Cognitive Impairment and Prevalence of Memory-Related Diagnoses among U.S. Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Qian, Yuting

    (Yale University)

  • Chen, Xi

    (Yale University)

  • Tang, Diwen

    (Fudan University, China)

  • Kelley, Amy S.

    (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

  • Li, Jing

    (Singapore Management University)

Abstract

Cognitive impairment creates significant challenges to health and well-being of the fast-growing aging population. Early recognition of cognitive impairment may confer important advantages, allowing for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, education, psychosocial support, and improved decision-making regarding life planning, health care, and financial matters. Yet the prevalence of memory-related diagnoses among older adults with early symptoms of cognitive impairment is unknown. Using 2000-2014 Health and Retirement Survey - Medicare linked data, we leveraged within-individual variation in a longitudinal cohort design to examine the relationship between incident cognitive impairment and receipt of diagnosis among American older adults. Receipt of a memory-related diagnosis was determined by ICD-9-CM codes. Incident cognitive impairment was assessed using the modified Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS). We found overall low prevalence of early memory-related diagnosis, or high rate of underdiagnosis, among older adults showing symptoms of cognitive impairment, especially among non-whites and socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups. Our findings call for targeted interventions to improve the rate of early diagnosis, especially among vulnerable populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian, Yuting & Chen, Xi & Tang, Diwen & Kelley, Amy S. & Li, Jing, 2021. "Cognitive Impairment and Prevalence of Memory-Related Diagnoses among U.S. Older Adults," IZA Discussion Papers 14098, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14098
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    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • R20 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - General

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