Work

Subjective cognitive complaints and decline among aging individuals with prior repetitive head impact exposure

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) can precede Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. SCC in the absence of objective impairment is termed subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This study aimed to characterize SCC and SCD among a sample of aging individuals with and without prior repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure, the former of whom are at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). METHODS RHI‐exposed ( N = 167) and non–RHI‐exposed ( N = 317) Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) participants and their informants completed subjective measures assessing memory and executive function. Participants completed objective tests of these domains. RESULTS RHI exposure was associated with greater self‐ and informant‐reported SCC and with over four‐fold increased odds of SCD among cognitively unimpaired participants (odds ratio = 4.10, p < 0.001). SCC was associated with objective measures in RHI and non‐RHI participants. DISCUSSION Among RHI‐exposed individuals, SCC align with objective cognitive performance. SCD warrants investigation as potential early indicator of RHI‐related neuropathologies.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring

DOI: 10.1002/dad2.70407