BRFSS and Other Data Resources
Data on dementia, caregiving and other public health topics guide priorities in public health action and interventions. Find state-specific data on cognitive decline and dementia caregiving in fact sheets based on BRFSS data and created by the Alzheimer's Association, as well as additional relevant data sources.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collects state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions and use of preventative services. Two BRFSS modules — the Cognitive Decline module and the Caregiver module — provide state-level data on the impact of subjective cognitive decline and caregiving. Learn more about the modules and how to use the data on Data, Assessment, and Analysis.
BRFSS data by state
Select a state to see fact sheets based on the latest available data:
For historical BRFSS state data, contact publichealth@alz.org.
What is subjective cognitive decline?
Subjective cognitive decline is a non-clinical description of individuals who self-report that they are experiencing problems with thinking or memory. Evidence shows that subjective cognitive decline is an early sign of possible cognitive impairment and can be an indicator of future risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
BRFSS Cognitive Decline analysis and reports
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article analyzing the aggregated Cognitive Decline Module data from 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in 2015-2016
- CDC infographics by state and nationally, based on the Cognitive Decline and Caregiver modules
- Overview of Subjective Cognitive Decline in the United States (PDF)
- Cognitive Decline Among African Americans (PDF)
BRFSS Caregiver analysis and reports
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article on the aggregated 2015-2017 Caregiver Module from 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
- Overview of Caregiver Data in the United States (PDF) fact sheet on the prevalence, demographic breakdown, and health conditions of dementia caregivers in the U.S., 2021-2022
- Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline Among Dementia Caregivers (PDF) provides public health agencies with an overview of the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline among dementia caregivers
- CDC infographics by state and nationally, based on Caregiver and SCD modules
Additional resources
The dementias topic area of Healthy People 2030 includes three objectives and corresponding data. The data covers diagnosis of dementia and diagnosis disclosure, preventable hospitalizations among people living with dementia, and rates of communication between health care providers and people experiencing thinking and memory difficulties. This data can demonstrate the necessity of public health interventions in these areas.
The Alzheimer's Association's annual Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report provides national and state statistics on Alzheimer's prevalence, cost, mortality, workforce capacity and impact on caregivers.
The Data for Action Toolkit (PDF) supports health departments in analyzing, translating and disseminating data from sources such as BRFSS to inform decision-makers and drive change. Data-driven action can help improve health outcomes related to brain health, dementia and caregiving across communities. The toolkit was developed in collaboration with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) based on the Data for Action Project, a cohort-based learning community that supports data utilization by state health departments.
The CDC operates the Healthy Aging Data Portal, a collection of key indicators of health and well-being, screenings and vaccinations, and mental health among older adults at the national and state levels.