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Subjective memory decline in healthy community-dwelling elders. What does this complain mean?
Y Balash1, M Mordechovich, H Shabtai
1Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. yacbal@tasmc.health.gov.il
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Subjective memory decline in healthy older adults is linked to early signs of depression, even without measurable cognitive impairment. This highlights the importance of considering mood in memory concerns.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Subjective memory decline (SMD) is common in the elderly.
- Causes can be linked to affective and cognitive issues.
- Understanding the relationship between subjective and objective measures is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore associations between subjective memory decline and cognitive/affective measures in healthy elderly individuals.
- To investigate the link between self-reported memory difficulties and clinical assessments.
Main Methods:
- Healthy subjects completed memory, lifestyle, depression (GDS), and anxiety questionnaires.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Exam and NeuroTrax.
- Univariate logistic regression analyzed associations.
Main Results:
- 75.4% of participants reported subjective memory decline.
- No differences in demographics or lifestyle were found between groups.
- Subjective memory decline was associated with elevated Geriatric Depression Scale scores.
Conclusions:
- Subjective memory decline in healthy elderly individuals is associated with sub-clinical depression.
- This association exists even when objective cognitive decline is not present.
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