Data Collection and the BRFSS
Surveillance is an essential function of public health. It involves collecting data to better understand the extent of a problem and its impact, and to motivate policy makers to address the problem. Each year, every state conducts a public health survey through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Recent work by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now enables states to collect data through the BRFSS on the impact of Alzheimer's disease using:
The Cognitive Impairment Module
The BRFSS Cognitive Impairment Module provides demographic, geographic and socioeconomic data regarding cognitive impairment. The module asks about memory and cognitive abilities as well as the impact of any memory loss on daily living. Five states served as pilots for the module in 2009, and 24 states asked the questions in 2011. Another 23 states and the District of Columbia are asking the questions in 2012.
CDC Reports on 2009 BRFSS Cognitive Impairment Pilot States Data:
Obtaining a more definitive picture of Alzheimer's is essential to any successful strategy to combat the disease.
- Report for Policy Makers
- Report for General Audiences
- California Report
- Florida Report
- Iowa Report
- Louisiana Report
The Caregiver Module
The Caregiver Module provides data about caregivers and the challenges they face. This module asks about a care recipient's health problems and greatest care needs. It enables us to compare the experiences of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers with caregivers of people with other conditions.
- BRFSS Caregiver Module Status Map
- Report on 2010 BRFSS Caregiving Data
- Report on 2009 BRFSS Caregiving Data
Download the Surveillance Fact Sheet
Learn more about surveillance and how data from using these two BRFSS modules helps us better understand the impact of Alzheimer's.
Contact us
For more information on Alzheimer's disease and public health, contact Catherine Morrison.
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Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
