Description

For all current and institutionalized persons aged 18 and older, LMTCOGRD 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.

LMTCOGRD 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 LMTCOGRD change over time. In 1996, the question for LMTCOGRD was asked in round 1. From 1997-2016 the question was asked in rounds 1, 3, and 5. In 2020 and 2021 this variable was collected multiple times across the panels extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017-2019 and 2022 forward, these questions were only asked once per year and those responses are recorded in the annual-level variable LMTCOG.

LMTCOGRD 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

Aside from changes in universe, this variable is comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1996-2016, 2020-2021

Weights

• 1996-2016, 2020-2021 : PERWEIGHT

Flags