Related Experiment Videos
Subjective memory complaints in aging are associated with elevated cortisol levels.
Oliver T Wolf1, Isabel Dziobek, Pauline McHugh
1Institute for Experimental Psychology, University of Duesseldorf, Germany.
Neurobiology of Aging
|October 26, 2005
Summary
Middle-aged and older adults with subjective memory complaints show altered cortisol regulation. These findings suggest endocrine factors may play a role in perceived memory issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Subjective memory complaints are common in aging but their origins are unclear.
- Cortisol dysregulation is linked to aging and depression, potentially affecting cognition.
- Previous research suggests links between memory complaints and objective impairments, personality, or mood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between cortisol regulation (basal and feedback) and subjective memory complaints in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
- To investigate differences in cortisol profiles between individuals with and without memory complaints.
Main Methods:
- Recruited healthy middle-aged and older adults, categorized by presence (n=27) or absence (n=19) of subjective memory complaints.
- Assessed basal cortisol levels and cortisol response after dexamethasone administration.
- Controlled for minor differences in depression scores.
Main Results:
- Participants with memory complaints exhibited higher basal cortisol levels.
- Individuals with memory complaints also showed higher cortisol levels post-dexamethasone.
- A significant gender interaction was observed for basal cortisol, with women without complaints having lower levels.
Conclusions:
- Altered cortisol regulation, including higher basal and feedback levels, is associated with subjective memory complaints in older adults.
- Gender-specific patterns in cortisol regulation may influence memory complaints.
- Future research should incorporate endocrine parameters when studying memory complaints.