A recent study has revealed a worrying rise in the number of American adults who suffer from problems with memory, decision-making, concentration, or what is known as cognitive impairment.
An American research team, led by neuroscientist Ka -Ho Wong from the University of Utah, found that rates of cognitive impairment have increased over the past decade among the 18-39 age group.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, which analyzed data from more than 4.5 million people, showed that the percentage of American adults who reported serious cognitive difficulties rose from 5.3 percent to 7.4 percent between 2013 and 2023.
The rate also doubled among participants under the age of 40, rising from 5.1 percent to 9.7 percent during the same period.
The study indicated that self-reported rates of cognitive impairment increased in most age groups with the exception of the elderly, as the rates of participants over the age of 70 were observed to have decreased from 7.3 percent to 6.6 percent during the same period.
"Memory and thinking problems are among the most frequently reported health issues among adults in the United States," said Yale University vascular neurologist Adam de Havinon.
He added: "Our study shows that these tests are becoming more widespread, especially among young people, and that social and structural factors play a key role in this."
Among the factors studied was socioeconomic status, with participants classified in a socioeconomic category with an income of less than US$35,000 reporting higher rates of cognitive disability.
The study did not specify the exact reasons for this increase, but it pointed to growing evidence that the general mental state of Americans is not good, according to the Science Alert website.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed in 2022 that cognitive impairment affects 13.9 percent of American adults, making it one of the most common types of disability.
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