[Memory complaints: epidemiology and diagnostic approach].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Geriatrics
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Memory complaints are frequent in the elderly, raising concerns about early Alzheimer's disease.
• Distinguishing between types of memory difficulties is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between memory complaints related to Alzheimer's disease and benign memory difficulties in the elderly.
• To identify key characteristics that distinguish encoding/storage deficits from pure recall deficits.

Main Methods:

• Clinical assessment of memory complaints in elderly individuals.
• Distinguishing between deficits in encoding/storage versus pure recall.
• Evaluating the impact of cueing on memory recall performance.

Main Results:

• Alzheimer's-related memory issues involve encoding/storage deficits, recent memory loss, disorientation, and functional decline, with free recall unimproved by cues.
• Benign memory difficulties are subjective, transient recall deficits, not associated with functional decline, and improve with cueing.
• Benign complaints are often linked to psychoaffective disturbances and do not indicate high dementia risk.

Conclusions:

• Memory complaints in the elderly can be categorized into Alzheimer's-related encoding/storage deficits and benign recall difficulties.
• Clinical examination, particularly the response to cueing, can help differentiate these conditions.
• Accurate differentiation is essential for appropriate patient management and prognosis, distinguishing those at risk for dementia from those with benign subjective complaints.