Self-Reported Memory Failures: Associations with Future Dementia in a Population-Based Study with Long-Term Follow-Up

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive decline and dementia are significant concerns in aging populations.
• Early detection of dementia is crucial for timely intervention and management.
• Self-perceptions of memory function can be an indicator of underlying cognitive changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between self-reported memory failures and the incidence of dementia in individuals aged 60 and older.
• To determine if subjective memory complaints predict future dementia independently of objective memory performance.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, community-based cohort study (Betula Prospective Cohort Study) in Sweden.
• 1,547 participants (mean age 71.5) completed the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) and objective memory tests.
• Dementia status was monitored for 10-12 years, with 225 participants developing dementia.

Main Results:

• Higher PRMQ scores significantly predicted incident all-cause dementia (HR=1.21) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (HR=1.25).
• These associations remained significant after adjusting for demographic factors, depressive symptoms, and objective memory performance.
• Self-reported complaints of memory issues by family and friends emerged as a stronger predictor than PRMQ scores alone.

Conclusions:

• Subjective memory failures, particularly when reported by others, are significant predictors of future dementia, even without objective memory deficits.
• Physicians should consider subjective memory complaints as important indicators of preclinical cognitive impairment.
• Early identification of subjective memory problems can aid in the early diagnosis and management of dementia.