Updated: February, 2024

Author: Brain Health and Dementia Program, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

We want to see the percentage of adults 45 years and older who discuss changes in their thinking and memory with their health care team increase to 55%. Talking with your provider about memory concerns can help detect medical issues, rule out other concerns that can impact cognition and provide an opportunity for early detection of dementia.

From 2016-2020, we have seen no change on this measure. It has remained consistent at 50%. We cannot be certain why this measure has remained static although Vermont did not have dedicated dollars to put toward promotion of brain health and dementia care until successfully applying for federal funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020.

Nationally, 45% of adults have talked to a healthcare provider about their memory concerns. Vermont is performing better than the rest of the country. However, 50% of adults 45 years and older not discussing their cognition with a healthcare provider is a high amount and may be attributable to the stigma around memory concerns and reticence on healthcare providers to address this topic.

Looking for more data?

• See data from past Behavioral Risk Factor Suveillance System annual reports.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for the proportion of adults with cognitive decline discussing symptoms with a provider.

The brain is intimately connected to overall health and cognitive declines merits a discussion at the doctor’s office, at any age. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes can have a profound effect on the brain, particularly if these conditions are unmanaged. Aging affects the brain in particular ways also – in fact, advanced age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease development. A conversation about brain health with your healthcare team can begin to address these considerations.

Earlier detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment, often a pre-cursor to Alzheimer’s Disease, is important because it allows an individual to make informed decisions about their care, adopt lifestyle changes including physical exercise and a healthy diet, that may slow disease progression, and access support services.  

Cognitive screening can also be financially accessible. Medicare beneficiaries age 65 or older, receive a cognitive assessment included free of charge in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Everyone who is covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage can ask their doctor for an Annual Wellness Visit.

We know that people with disabilities, older Vermonters, BIPOC individuals, and people looking for employment are more likely to report changes in memory and thinking. However, many of these groups are also less likely to talk to a healthcare provider.

We know that there are a variety of factors that are responsible for these disparities and differences in talking to a healthcare provider. Institutional racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, transportation access, and inequitably distributed social advantages specifically impact a person’s stress levels, economic situation and likely hinders their ability to initiate the care they need. Highlighting the inequities and disparities that we see in the data is only the first step to improving health equity for all people in Vermont.

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program at VDH oversees the Vermont Action Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias and Healthy Aging.  Activities outlined in the plan aim to increase public knowledge and awareness about brain health, risk factors for dementia and benefits of early detection and diagnosis using culturally appropriate strategies. Greater public and professional awareness about the course of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease can reduce conflicting messages, decrease stigma, prompt open discussion with healthcare teams, and promote earlier diagnosis.

How we conduct business, provide services, and design our communities impacts all Vermonters—especially those living with dementia so establishing dementia-friendly communities has never been more important.

The target value of 55% for this measure was determined based on past prevalence and our desire to increase the amount of people talking to a healthcare provider about memory concerns. This is a goal we think is achievable by 2030 through actions by the VDH Alzheimer’s and Healthy Program and partners.

The data for this indicator is collected as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. This survey collects a broad set of self-reported information from adults about themselves and their overall health and wellbeing. You can learn more about the survey and find much more data on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System webpage.