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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:13
A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
Published on: May 16, 2017
If you don't ask (about memory), they probably won't tell
Frans Boch Waldorff1, Susanne Rishoj, Gunhild Waldemar
1Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. fbw@gpract.ku.dk
The Journal of Family Practice
|January 4, 2008
Summary
Memory impairment is common in elderly patients visiting their doctor, affecting 23.4%. Lower quality of life is linked to memory complaints, suggesting doctors should inquire about memory issues in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Primary Care Research
- Cognitive Health
Background:
- Self-reported memory impairment is a frequent concern among the elderly.
- Understanding its prevalence and predictors in general practice is crucial for early identification and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-reported memory impairment in elderly patients within a general practice setting.
- To explore the clinical implications and associated factors, such as quality of life and cognition.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 758 elderly patients (≥65 years) across 17 general practices.
- Data collected on self-reported memory impairment, health-related quality of life (EuroQoL-5D-VAS), and cognitive assessments.
Main Results:
- 23.4% of elderly patients reported memory impairment, but only 18.6% consulted for this specific issue.
- Lower quality-of-life scores (EuroQoL-5D-VAS 0-49 and 50-74) were significant predictors of memory complaints (ORs=4.8 and 4.1).
Conclusions:
- Memory impairment is a prevalent, yet often underreported, issue in elderly primary care patients.
- Proactively inquiring about memory problems may help identify potentially frail elderly individuals.
- Further prospective research is recommended to validate these findings.
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