Study Finds Rising Cognitive Struggles Among Younger U.S. Adults

Study Finds Rising Cognitive Struggles Among Younger U.S. Adults
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A growing number of American adults, particularly those under 40, report difficulties with memory, focus, and decision-making, according to a new study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, ScienceDaily reported.

Researchers from Yale School of Medicine analyzed data from more than 4.5 million annual surveys conducted between 2013 and 2023, excluding individuals with depression and responses from 2020.

The share of adults reporting cognitive challenges rose from 5.3% to 7.4% over the decade, with the steepest increase among those under 40, where rates nearly doubled to 9.7%. In contrast, adults over 70 showed a slight decline.

The study linked higher rates of cognitive difficulties to lower income and education levels, with prevalence reaching 12.6% among those earning under $35,000 annually and 14.3% among adults without a high school diploma. Racial and ethnic disparities were also evident, with the highest prevalence among American Indian and Alaska Native adults.

Lead author Dr. Adam de Havenon said the findings highlight the need to address social and economic factors contributing to declining cognitive health, warning that the trend could have long-term implications for workforce productivity and public health.