Background and Objectives: Cognitive disability, commonly characterized as marked impairment in attention, memory, or decision-making abilities resulting from physical, psychological, or emotional conditions, has emerged as a leading form of functional limitation among adult populations. This expansive conceptualization encompasses a wide spectrum of neurological and non-neurological etiologies, underscoring the increasing relevance of cognitive health within public health frameworks. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the burden of cognitive disability is unevenly distributed across demographic and social groups, with notable variation by age, socioeconomic status, and urban versus rural residence. However, longitudinal assessments examining how these disparities have shifted over time remain limited. The present study investigates temporal trends in self-reported cognitive disability over an eleven-year period (2015–2025) in Uzbekistan, with particular emphasis on age-stratified patterns and social determinants of health.

Methods: A retrospective observational approach was applied using data obtained from the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan’s adult health surveys. The analysis included adults aged 18 years and older, excluding participants with self-reported psychiatric disorders, to better capture nonpsychiatric cognitive impairment. The principal outcome measure was self-reported cognitive disability, operationalized as substantial difficulty with concentration, memory, or decision-making processes. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were employed to evaluate prevalence trends and explore relationships with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results: Between 2015 and 2025, a nationally representative dataset of Uzbek adults was analyzed. Age-adjusted prevalence estimates indicated that young adults (18–39 years) represented the largest portion of respondents. Most participants had completed secondary education or higher, while a considerable fraction reported lower-income households and employment. Chronic health conditions, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and prior cerebrovascular events, were common and disproportionately observed among individuals reporting cognitive difficulties. Younger adults exhibited a notable rise in self-perceived cognitive impairment over the study period, in contrast to relatively stable trends in older populations.

Conclusion: Cognitive disability among adults in Uzbekistan is an underrecognized but growing public health concern. Younger adults are increasingly affected, likely reflecting both socioeconomic pressures and heightened societal awareness. Integrating cognitive screening into routine adult health care, addressing modifiable risk factors, and implementing public health interventions may reduce long-term disability and enhance functional independence.

Cognitive impairment, adult population, Uzbekistan, neurology

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