Introduction: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) represents self-reported problems with memory, a possible early sign of dementia. Little is known about SCD among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender or gender non-binary.
Methods: Data were weighted to represent population estimates from 25 states' 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to describe SCD in adults ≥45 years by SGM status. Logistic regression tested associations between demographic and health conditions.
Results: SCD prevalence was higher in SGM (15.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]:13.1-18.2) than in non-SGM adults (10.5%; 95% CI:10.1-10.9; P < .0001). SGM adults with SCD were also more likely to report functional limitations due to SCD than non-SGM adults with SCD, 60.8% versus 47.8%, P = .0048. Differences in SCD by SGM status were attenuated after accounting for depression.
Discussion: Higher prevalence of SCD in SGM adults highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive screenings, interventions, care services, and resources for SGM adults.
Keywords: population‐based sample; preclinical Alzheimer's disease; screening; sexual and gender minorities; subjective cognitive decline.
© 2021 The Authors. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.