Trouble Focusing? You’re Not Alone
Do you ever find it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions—even though you feel far too young to have these issues? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. A growing number of adults under 40 say they’re experiencing these issues, according to a new study published in Neurology.
Researchers from Yale School of Medicine and several partner institutions analyzed 10 years of survey responses from 4.5 million people who took the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual phone survey. Their findings revealed a notable rise in self-reported cognitive disability across all ages—and a doubling of these reports among those adults 19 to 39. Roughly 1 in 10 young adults say they struggle with cognitive issues, making it the most common disability in the U.S. in this age group.
“The findings were a surprise. I was not necessarily expecting young adults to report this,” says Adam de Havenon, MD, MSCI, a Yale Medicine neurologist and one of the study’s investigators. “But our analysis revealed that the primary driver of this increase—at least with the data that we have—does appear to be this younger group.”
Other investigators participating in the study included Yale Medicine neurologist Kevin Sheth, MD, and researchers from the Mass General Brigham integrated health care system and the University of Utah.
Dr. de Havenon advises young adults not to worry. “This is not a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment,” he says. Serious dementia involves structural changes in the brain, and it causes severe interference with daily activities—conditions that are rare in young adults. Still, he says, the findings deserve attention.
What cognitive issues are worrying young adults?
The study examined data collected by the CDC between 2013 and 2024 (excluding 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic). During that period, the percentage of adults reporting cognitive disability rose from 5.3% to 7.4%. Among young adults (ages 18 to 39), the rise was more significant, from 5.1% to 9.7%.
It’s important to note that these were self-reported problems, not clinical diagnoses, says Dr. de Havenon. The CDC survey defined cognitive disability as “serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition.” Because the survey didn’t give examples of what “serious” means, people may have been thinking about a range of issues—from losing their keys to struggling with focus at work.
“Like all surveys, it’s subjective,” Dr. de Havenon says. “There is a question being asked, and it means different things to different people.”
Certain groups reported higher rates of cognitive difficulty, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic respondents. The study also found associations with lower income, lower education, and certain geographic locations—including the South and Midwest regions. Chronic health problems, such as diabetes, were associated with higher rates of cognitive disability as well. Those results were not surprising, Dr. de Havenon says. “It is disheartening that long-standing issues in health equity around cognition don't appear to be improving,” he adds.
What is causing cognitive issues in young adults?
The study didn’t clarify the causes of the increase in cognitive difficulties. But it does raise important questions, Dr. de Havenon says.
“We don’t actually think that 18- to 39-year-olds are suddenly experiencing higher rates of dementia pathology. If their cognition is impaired, it’s due to something else,” he says. “But if millions of people are saying, ‘I'm having trouble thinking’ because they are, that too is impacting their life. It’s something we need to pay attention to.”
Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, are on the rise among younger adults, and both are known risk factors for cognitive challenges. But mental health alone doesn’t explain the full increase, Dr. de Havenon says. Even when people who reported a mental health condition such as depression were excluded from the survey, the rate of reported cognitive disability still doubled.
Another factor may be digital media exposure—constant notifications, social media use, and online multitasking can all affect mood and attention. “It’s difficult to imagine that these findings are not influenced by how social media and other digital media may be impacting this group’s cognition,” he says.
Cultural shifts may also play a role. Young adults may simply feel more comfortable acknowledging cognitive struggles. “Attitudes toward stigma can play a large role in how people answer questions like this,” Dr. de Havenon says.
How can young adults keep their brains healthy?
There are many potential drivers behind cognitive issues—but also many ways to protect brain health. A 2024 report from The Lancet found that nearly 45% of dementia cases may be prevented by addressing evidence-based risk factors—many of which people can try at any age. These include cutting back on alcohol use and smoking; committing to an exercise routine; maintaining a healthy blood pressure; keeping up with dental and vision appointments, and having a healthy social life.
Dr. de Havenon, who is continuing to research the problem, encourages people to explore the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Life resources for more guidance. “Just as cardiologists and the American Heart Association have done a fantastic job of educating the public about the heart and what makes the heart healthy, neurologists and brain health advocates want to similarly help people understand how to support brain health,” he says.
The good news, Dr. de Havenon notes, is that many types of cognitive impairment are treatable and even reversible. “I would assume that the problems these individuals are having with memory or attention are things that we can alleviate once we understand them better,” he says.
