The role of subjective memory complaints in predicting cognitive impairment associated with future Alzheimer’s disease: a community based study
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BackgroundIn recent years there has been a substantial increase in research examining the role of subjective memory complaints (SMC) in cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease.These studies have related SMC to many different cognitive outcomes, such as retaining normal cognitive function, a fluctuating cognitive performance and the development of Alzheimer's disease.Most of these studies have focused on older populations and have employed a limited assessment of cognitive function.This limits the available evidence regarding the clinical utility of SMC.The literature on the role of SMC in younger subjects is scarce.It is not known whether memory complaints are useful in predicting future cases of Alzheimer's disease in younger community-based subjects. AimsThe main aim of the present study was to determine whether SMC predict the development of cognitive impairment in a younger cohort of subjects, many of whom were under the age of 70 years (73%), based on their risk profile and neuropsychological assessment.A further aim was to ascertain whether the DRS or 7MS are sensitive screening tools for MCI and examine whether the presence of SMC affects the 3-year cognitive outcome of subjects.To address these aims, this study consisted of two parts: a crosssectional design and a longitudinal follow-up component.vii MethodsThis study was carried out with 86 community-dwelling subjects recruited via advertisement within the catchment area of Central Sydney Area Health Service.The mean age of the subjects was 63.1 years (SD=8.4).Subjective memory complaints were assessed using a single question.Cognitive function was assessed using a comprehensive battery of tests, selected on the basis of their sensitivity to identifying cognitive impairment typically associated with Alzheimer's disease.After the initial analysis between those with SMC and without SMC, subjects were further classified according to their performance on an episodic memory task (i.e., delayed verbal recall, Rey, 1964) as having normal memory function, SMC or aMCI. Results Part 1Subjective memory complaints (SMC) were reported by 63% of the sample.The initial analysis between subjects with SMC (n=54) and without SMC (n=32) suggested an initial relationship between SMC and cognitive functioning.Subjects with SMC had impaired global cognitive functioning on two brief screening tests (7MS and DRS), working memory, verbal recall and visuomotor speed.However, subsequent screening with the delayed verbal recall test showed that 12 of the 54 subjects with SMC demonstrated significant cognitive impairment, scoring 2 SD below the control group mean.After Dr. Richard White, Psychiatry
Author: Concetta Tarantello
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Sydney
OpenAlex ID: W2096432828