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Subjective memory complaints in elders: depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline?
Y Balash1, M Mordechovich, H Shabtai
1Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. yacbal@tasmc.health.gov.il
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Subjective memory complaints (SMC) in elders are linked to higher depression and anxiety scores, not necessarily poor objective cognitive performance. These findings highlight the importance of considering emotional well-being in memory concerns.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are common in elders.
- The relationship between SMC, affective state, and objective cognitive function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subjective memory complaints (SMC) and affective state (depression, anxiety) in elderly individuals.
- To examine the correlation of SMC with objective cognitive performance in a healthy elderly cohort.
Main Methods:
- Community-dwelling elders underwent cognitive screening (MMSE) and completed questionnaires on memory, lifestyle, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
- Participants were categorized based on memory complaints and MMSE scores.
- Objective cognitive performance was assessed using the Mindstreams computerized neuropsychological battery.
- Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with SMC.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of SMC (79.7%) was observed in 636 elderly participants.
- SMC showed an inverse correlation with MMSE scores (P for trend = 0.007).
- Higher GDS and STAI scores were significantly associated with the presence of SMC (OR = 1.23 and OR = 1.03, respectively).
- No significant correlation was found between SMC and objective cognitive performance measured by Mindstreams.
Conclusions:
- Subjective memory complaints in healthy, cognitively normal elders are associated with sub-syndromal depression and anxiety.
- Affective state, rather than objective cognitive decline, may be a key correlate of memory complaints in this population.
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