Subjective memory complaints, mood and MCI: a follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are prevalent in older adults.
• SMC are associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
• The role of SMC in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) definitions is debated due to potential mood influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between mood and SMC in individuals with MCI.
• To determine if mood or objective cognitive impairment is more strongly associated with SMC in MCI.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing study.
• Structured interviews assessing cognitive function and mood in community-dwelling older adults.
• Longitudinal analysis using data from two time points (24 months apart) with logistic regression and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between SMC and mood, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
• Mood problems demonstrated a stronger relationship with SMC than objective cognitive impairment.
• Analysis of competing MCI definitions indicated mood's greater influence on SMC.

Conclusions:

• SMC in older adults may primarily stem from anxiety and depression, rather than objective cognitive decline.
• The findings question the inclusion of SMC in diagnostic criteria for MCI.
• Further research is needed to differentiate the etiological pathways of SMC in aging populations.