Caregivers More Likely to Have Subjective Cognitive Decline

Caregivers who provide care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability are more likely to have subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Researchers analyzed SCD among caregivers aged 45 or older using data from 22 states in the 2015-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. SCD was defined as the self-reported experience of worsening confusion or memory loss in the past year; it was reported by 12.6% of caregivers who provided care to a family member or friend with a health condition or disability in the previous 30 days and in 10.2% of non-caregivers. Compared with non-caregivers with SCD, caregivers with SCD were more likely to be employed, male, and aged 45-64 and more likely to have chronic health conditions. Caregivers with SCD were also more likely to report frequent mental distress, history of depression, and frequent activity limitations compared with caregivers without SCD.