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Subjective Cognitive Decline Is More Accurate When Metamemory Is Better
Silvia Chapman1,2, Jillian L Joyce1,3, Megan S Barker1,2
1Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|April 4, 2022
Summary
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metamemory accuracy influences how SCD relates to cognitive function, impacting early AD detection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- The link between SCD and objective cognitive tests is inconsistent.
- Metamemory (memory awareness) variability may explain these inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if metamemory moderates the relationship between SCD and early cognitive dysfunction.
- To explore the diagnostic utility of SCD in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- 79 cognitively healthy older adults participated.
- Metamemory assessed via episodic Feeling of Knowing test.
- Cognitive function measured using LASSI-L and STMB, sensitive to preclinical AD.
Main Results:
- SCD correlated with increased susceptibility to semantic proactive interference.
- Metamemory moderated this association: higher accuracy amplified the link between SCD and semantic interference.
- Metamemory did not moderate effects on retroactive interference or memory binding.
Conclusions:
- Metamemory accuracy influences the association between SCD and objective cognitive performance.
- Self-referential assessment of memory (metamemory) is crucial for interpreting SCD in early AD detection.
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