A decade-long national study has found a striking increase in the number of young Americans reporting serious difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making; raising concerns about the long-term public health and economic consequences of cognitive decline in working-age adults.
The research, published in Neurology by a team from the University of Utah and Yale University, analysed data from over 4.5 million adults collected between 2013 and 2023 through the US Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System. It found that self-reported cognitive disability rose from 5.3% to 7.4% nationwide over the 10-year period, even after excluding people with diagnosed depression
What stands out most is the trend among younger adults. Those aged 18 to 39 nearly doubled in prevalence, rising from 5.1–9.7%. In contrast, older adults saw stable or slightly declining rates. Researchers said the shift suggests a worrying generational change, with more young people facing cognitive difficulties that can affect education, productivity, and long-term health
The findings point to a complex mix of causes. Economic stress, changing work patterns, and increased screen exposure may be influencing the rise, while improved awareness and reduced stigma around cognitive health could also make younger adults more likely to self-report difficulties. Whatever the reasons, experts warn that such widespread changes could strain healthcare systems and reduce workforce participation if the pattern continues.
The study revealed significant differences by race, income, and education. Adults from low-income households were three times more likely to report cognitive disability than those earning more than $75,000 per year. Rates also climbed more sharply among people without higher education. Racial disparities were pronounced too: American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest prevalence at 11.2% in 2023, followed by Hispanic and Black adults. Asian Americans consistently reported the lowest levels, remaining below 5%.
Cognitive disability was also more common among people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and hypertension, highlighting how physical illness and brain health are closely linked. For instance, adults with a history of stroke were more than twice as likely to report cognitive impairment as those without
Regional variation was notable, with higher rates seen in the South and Midwest compared with the Northeast and Western states. People living in US territories such as Puerto Rico reported the highest levels overall, suggesting that social and healthcare inequalities may also play a role.
Researchers emphasised that the data reflect self-reported difficulties rather than medical diagnoses such as dementia, but still carry significant implications. Self-perceived cognitive challenges can be early indicators of mental strain or chronic illness, and they can disrupt daily functioning long before clinical symptoms appear.
While the reasons for the sharp rise among younger adults remain unclear, the study concludes that urgent attention is needed to address the social and environmental factors driving cognitive strain. Without action, the authors warn, the United States may face a future generation less cognitively resilient than the one before.