Diagnosed Dementia in Adults Age 65 and Older:United States, 2022

Abstract

Objectives-This report presents estimates of diagnosed dementia in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population age 65 and older by selected sociodemographic characteristics. Methods-Data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate the percentage of noninstitutionalized older adults with a dementia diagnosis. Information was self-reported unless a knowledgeable proxy responded to questions when the respondent was physically or mentally unable to answer. Prevalence of diagnosed dementia among older adults is presented by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, veteran status, education, family income as a percentage of the federal poverty level, urbanization, and region. Estimates of dementia reporting by proxy respondent status and interview mode also are presented. Results-In 2022, 4.0% of adults age 65 and older reported ever having received a dementia diagnosis. The percentage of adults with a dementia diagnosis was similar for men (3.8%) and women (4.2%). The percentage of adults with a dementia diagnosis increased with age, from 1.7% in those ages 65-74 to 13.1% in those age 85 and older, and decreased with rising education level, from 7.9% in adults age 65 and older with less than a high school diploma to 2.2% in those with a college degree or higher. Overall levels of older adults with a dementia diagnosis did not vary significantly by mode of interview (telephone or in person).