Cognitive disabilities are rising sharply in the United States, especially among younger adults and racial and ethnic minorities. A new study published in Neurology analyzed 4.5 million responses from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2013 and 2023 and found that self-reported cognitive disability increased from 5% to 7% nationwide.
Defined as “serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions,” cognitive disability rates doubled among adults aged 18 to 39—from 1 in 20 to 1 in 10. The highest rates were consistently observed among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, followed by Black and Hispanic adults.
The study also found that people with chronic diseases, household incomes below \$35,000, and those living in the Midwest and U.S. territories were most affected. These findings point to a troubling intersection of health, economic hardship, and geography that disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.
Although self-reported cognitive disability is not a clinical diagnosis, researchers emphasized its value for public health surveillance. They called for further investigation into the causes of the increase among younger adults and stressed the need to address systemic barriers contributing to these disparities.
As cognitive challenges grow more common in vulnerable populations, the study highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions and inclusive mental health strategies.
See: “Cognitive Disabilities on the Rise, Especially in Younger Adults” (October 10, 2025)
