SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE AND ITS IMPACTS AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER WOMEN VETERANS AND NONVETERANS
2024

Cognitive Decline in Women Veterans vs Non-Veterans

Sample size: 6885 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Henion Amy, Cheney Amanda, Sundstrom Kim, Alshanbari Mohammed, Bouldin Erin

Primary Institution: University of Utah

Hypothesis

Women veterans may experience higher rates of subjective cognitive decline compared to non-veteran women.

Conclusion

Women veterans and non-veterans have similar rates of subjective cognitive decline and its impacts.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women veterans had a slightly higher prevalence of depression history compared to non-veterans.
  • SCD prevalence was 13.3% among veterans and 11.7% among non-veterans.
  • Veterans were more likely to discuss their SCD with healthcare providers than non-veterans.

Takeaway

This study looked at how often women veterans feel confused or have memory problems compared to women who are not veterans, and found they are about the same.

Methodology

The study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, focusing on women aged 45 and older.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reporting of cognitive decline and health status.

Limitations

The study may not capture all factors influencing cognitive decline due to its reliance on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 45 and older, including 1,905 veterans and 66,880 non-veterans.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.24

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3326

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