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Reconciling subjective memory complaints with objective memory performance in the menopausal transition
Miriam T Weber1, Mark Mapstone, Jennifer Staskiewicz
1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. miriam_weber@urmc.rochester.edu
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|March 15, 2012
Summary
Memory complaints during perimenopause are linked to attention and working memory issues, not just verbal memory. These complaints also correlate with depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Perimenopausal women often report subjective memory complaints.
- The relationship between these complaints and objective cognitive function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between subjective memory complaints and objective cognitive performance in perimenopausal women.
- To determine if memory complaints relate to other cognitive domains and noncognitive factors like mood and sleep.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-five perimenopausal women underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.
- Participants completed self-report inventories for memory, menopausal symptoms, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.
- Serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured.
Main Results:
- Memory complaints were not associated with verbal learning or memory but were linked to working memory and attention.
- Complaints correlated significantly with depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and sleep disturbance.
- Depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, and working memory performance best predicted memory complaints.
Conclusions:
- Subjective memory complaints in perimenopause may indicate genuine attention-related cognitive difficulties.
- These complaints are also associated with other menopausal transition symptoms, including psychological and sleep disturbances.
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