Description

For all current and institutionalized persons aged 18 and older, LMTCOG indicates if the person has any cognitive limitation that interferes with daily activities. This variable is constructed by AHRQ from responses to a three-part question asking if anyone in the family experiences confusion or memory loss, has problems making decisions, or requires supervision for their own safety. A follow-up question identifies the persons with such limitations.

LMTCOG represents a 'Yes' (2) answer to any of the three questions. It is not possible to distinguish if any person has one, two, or all three of the limitations listed. If all responses were 'No' (2) or two were 'No' and the remaining response was 'Refused' (7), 'Not Ascertained' (8), or 'Don't Know' (9), all family members were coded as No. If all responses were any combination of 'Refused,' 'Not Ascertained,' and 'Don't Know' or the response was missing, all members of the family were coded as Don't Know.

Collection frequency and timing for LMTCOG change over time. This question was fielded annually from 2017-2019 and 2022 forward. In other years, it was fielded more than once per year and those responses are recorded in the round-level variable LMTCOGRD.

LMTCOG is one of a series of variables about limitations and disability available in IPUMS MEPS. A complete list of these variables can be found in the description for ANYLMT.

Comparability

This variable is comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 2017-2019, 2022-2023

Weights

• 2017-2019, 2022-2023 : PERWEIGHT

Flags