Suggestions for the decision making in subjective cognitive complaints

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy highlights the importance of cognitive health.
• Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC), often memory-related, are common in healthy adults.
• The link between SCC and objective cognitive impairment, including dementia, is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of SCC as a potential early indicator of dementia.
• To discuss factors influencing SCC and their interpretation.
• To propose a clinical flowchart for managing SCC.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on SCC and dementia.
• Consideration of risk factors (age, education, comorbidities) and confounding factors (cognitive reserve, depression, stress, sleep, personality).
• Emphasis on comprehensive clinical evaluation integrating neuropsychological testing and anamnesis.

Main Results:

• SCC may or may not align with objective cognitive impairments.
• Dementia risk factors and confounding conditions can influence SCC interpretation.
• A holistic approach is essential for distinguishing cognitive disorders.

Conclusions:

• Addressing SCC is vital for early dementia intervention.
• A structured clinical approach, including a proposed flowchart, can enhance diagnostic accuracy for SCC.
• Integrated evaluation is key to effective patient care and treatment decisions.