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Subjective memory impairment, cognitive function and depression--a community study in older Koreans
Jae-Min Kim1, Robert Stewart, Il-Seon Shin
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Kwangju, Republic of Korea.
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
|March 11, 2003
Summary
Subjective memory impairment (SMI) affects 22% of older adults and is linked to depression and cognitive decline, especially in urban settings. Early detection of SMI in seniors is crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Cognitive Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is a common concern among older adults.
- Understanding the factors associated with SMI is crucial for early detection and intervention.
- Previous research has explored various correlates, but community-based data from diverse populations remain valuable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlates of subjective memory impairment (SMI) in a community-dwelling population aged 65 and over.
- To examine the relationship between SMI, depression, cognitive function, and demographic factors.
- To explore differences in SMI prevalence and correlates between urban and rural residents, including migrants.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional community study involving 1,204 individuals aged 65+ in South Korea.
- Assessment of SMI and depression using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule.
- Cognitive function evaluated using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K), with longitudinal data available for 686 participants.
Main Results:
- SMI was reported by 22% of the sample.
- SMI was significantly associated with depression and lower MMSE-K scores.
- The association between depression and SMI was strongest in individuals with cognitive impairment.
- SMI showed a weak association with previous cognitive decline and no association with APOE e4.
- SMI and cognitive impairment were more strongly linked in urban residents, particularly rural-to-urban migrants.
Conclusions:
- Subjective memory impairment in older adults is closely linked to depression and objective cognitive function.
- The co-occurrence of SMI and depression is exacerbated by cognitive impairment.
- Urban residency and migration status appear to modify the relationship between SMI and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for tailored public health strategies.