Work

Epidemiology of Cognitive Impairments: Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Memory and Attention Challenges—Findings from Twelve National Disability Indicators

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cognitive difficulties involving memory and concentration significantly affect individuals’ daily functioning and quality of life, influenced by demographic, clinical, and socio-environmental factors. This study aimed to examine the national prevalence and distribution of cognitive difficulties in Saudi Arabia, explore regional and gender disparities, and identify demographic and clinical predictors. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2017 Saudi National Disability Survey, a population-based, cross-sectional study involving 20.4 million Saudi citizens. Twelve indicators related to cognitive difficulty—covering severity, educational and marital status, consanguinity, duration, causes, and regional distribution—were analyzed, integrating baseline population data from three national surveys. Results: Results indicated that 1.1% (224,408 individuals) reported cognitive difficulties, predominantly alongside other disabilities (1.0%), while only 0.2% reported it exclusively. Cognitive difficulties were significantly higher in Al-Riyadh and Makkah Al-Mokarramah, with residents of Aseer and Hail facing doubled odds compared to Najran. Gender disparities were evident; males predominated in extreme severity and congenital or accident-related cases, whereas females showed higher proportions of disease-related causes, mild severity, and prolonged disability (≥25 years). Independent predictors included severe and extreme severity, disease-related causes, consanguinity, and long duration. Conclusions: These findings highlight critical regional and gender-based inequities and underscore the need for targeted policies emphasizing early detection, gender-sensitive interventions, and region-specific resource allocation to meet Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for inclusive health and social services.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm14186390

Authors: Ahmed Alduais, Hind Alfadda, Hessah Saad Alarifi

Institutions: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137