Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2023

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Epidemiology

First Committee Member

Nicole Kolm Valdivia

Second Committee Member

Patrick Maloney

Third Committee Member

Anthony Blake

Abstract

Objective: This study seeks to capture how self-reports measure cognitive decline. The association between chronic conditions and cognition with age consideration in individuals aged 45 and older is investigated.

Methods: Univariate analysis generates frequencies and weighted percentages of 2022 BRFSS data. Chi-square tests and polytomous regressions generate odds ratios for bivariate analyses. A weighted multiple logistic regression model stratified by age group analyzes self-reported cognitive decline.

Results: Respondents ages 45 to 54 with three or more chronic diseases have the highest odds (OR = 6.81; 95% CI = 4.42, 10.48) of cognitive decline. Respondents 75 and older with less than three chronic diseases have insignificant odds of cognitive decline.

Conclusions: A dose-response relationship is demonstrated between the number of comorbid conditions and the risk of cognitive decline regardless of age. Interventions must be implemented earlier than the current standard at age 60, especially for individuals with more than two chronic diseases.1,2 Further research should investigate when chronic diseases no longer impact cognitive decline in older individuals.

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