2024-03-132024-03-132022-08-16Snead, R., Dumenci, L. & Jones, R.M. A latent class analysis of cognitive decline in US adults, BRFSS 2015-2020. BMC Public Health 22, 1560 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14001-21471-2458http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/9869Background: Cognitive decline can be an early indicator for dementia. Using quantitative methods and national representative survey data, we can monitor the potential burden of disease at the population-level. Methods: BRFSS is an annual, nationally representative questionnaire in the United States. The optional cognitive decline module is a six-item self-reported scale pertaining to challenges in daily life due to memory loss and growing confusion over the past twelve months. Respondents are 45+, pooled from 2015-2020. Latent class analysis was used to determine unobserved subgroups of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) based on item response patterns. Multinomial logistic regression predicted latent class membership from socio-demographic covariates. Results: A total of 54,771 reported experiencing SCD. The optimal number of latent classes was three, labeled as Mild, Moderate, and Severe SCD. Thirty-five percent of the sample belonged to the Severe group. Members of this subgroup were significantly less likely to be older (65+ vs. 45-54 OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.23-0.35) and more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.53-2.11), have not graduated high school (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.34-1.91), or earned <$15K a year (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 2.43-3.77). Conclusions: This study determined three latent subgroups indicating severity of SCD and identified socio-demographic predictors. Using a single categorical indicator of SCD severity instead of six separate items improves the versatility of population-level surveillance.10 pagesengAttribution CC BYhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Latent class analysisDementiaAlzheimer’sBRFSSAgingSubjective cognitive declineComplex SamplingText