I wonder if the CDC tracks other syndromes or diseases that require a subjective diagnosis.
The CDC appears to consider tracking Alzheimer's a priority (which it should). I wonder if the cognitive aspects of ME/CFS (e.g. slowed processing speed, functional impairment, memory issues, visual processing issues) could also be tracked through this existing program.
http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/2013-healthy-brain-initiative.pdf
Increased Ability to Track the Public Health Burden of Cognitive Decline
A priority action from The Healthy Brain Initiative:
A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health (2007) called for tracking the public health burden of cognitive decline through existing surveillance systems.Today, thanks to partnerships at
the state and national levels, a cognitive impairment optional module is now part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System The module provides states and territories with the ability to collect state-speci c data on self-reported cognitive decline. To date, 45 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have included the questions in their BRFSS surveys during 2011–2013.
The Alzheimer’s Association and CDC convened a diverse panel of experts to help inform the content and design of the module, which includes 10 questions that seek information about self-reported cognitive decline and burden. Through partnerships with the state health departments’ BRFSS Programs, the Alzheimer’s Association’s local chapters, and the aging services network, the module was disseminated and supported by numerous states.
Current efforts focus on disseminating the data through various channels, such as state data briefs, manuscripts, interactive Web sites, brie ngs, and presentations. With this information, state planners and decision-makers can examine the burden of cognitive decline in their states and gain insights about current and future needs.