Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
06:58

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing

Published on: January 24, 2020

6.3K

Risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in older people with subjective memory complaints: meta-analysis

A J Mitchell1, H Beaumont, D Ferguson

  • 1Leicestershire Partnership Trust, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|September 16, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC) but no objective deficits are twice as likely to develop dementia. Annually, about 2.3% with SMC progress to dementia and 6.6% to mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Subjective memory complaints (SMC) in older adults, without objective cognitive deficits, are a growing concern.
  • Understanding the progression of SMC to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if individuals experiencing SMC without objective deficits face an elevated risk of developing MCI and dementia.
  • To quantify the risk and annual conversion rates from SMC to MCI and dementia.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of inception cohort studies was performed, searching major electronic databases up to March 2014.
  • Included data from 28 studies encompassing 29,723 individuals (14,714 with SMC, 15,009 without), with a mean age of 71.6 years, followed for an average of 4.8 years.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with SMC demonstrated a relative risk (RR) of 2.07 for developing dementia compared to those without SMC.
  • The annual conversion rate (ACR) from SMC to dementia was 2.33%, and to MCI was 6.67%.
  • Over 4 years, 14.1% of individuals with SMC developed dementia, and 26.6% developed MCI.

Conclusions:

  • Older adults with SMC but no objective deficits are at double the risk of developing dementia.
  • The annual progression rate from SMC to dementia is approximately 2.3%, and to MCI is approximately 6.6%.
Keywords:
dementiamild cognitive impairmentsubjective memory complaints

More Related Videos

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS for Memory Enhancement10:37

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS for Memory Enhancement

Published on: September 18, 2021

17.4K
The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease06:23

The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: October 13, 2016

36.6K

Related Concept Videos

Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
673
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
29
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
13
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.7K
Cognitive Development During Adulthood01:30

Cognitive Development During Adulthood

Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
1.4K
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
906