Subjective cognitive decline, and its cognitive and emotional correlates in Peruvian older adults

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a known risk factor for dementia, yet its association with objective cognition and emotional state remains underexplored in Latin American populations.

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between SCD, objective cognition, and emotional state in older adults from Arequipa, Peru.

This study investigated these relationships in 43 older adults from Arequipa, Peru, classified as having SCD (n=17), mild cognitive impairment (n=12), or normal cognition (n=14). Participants underwent assessments of global cognition, subjective decline (via the E-Cog), objective cognitive domains, and emotional state.

Findings showed a significant association between SCD and emotional disorders, with emotional symptoms correlating with total E-Cog scores and specific domains such as memory, language, planning, and organization. Additionally, general cognition, long-term memory, and cognitive flexibility were associated with deficits in visuospatial processing, attention, and executive function.

These results underscore the need to account for emotional factors when evaluating the relationship between SCD and objective cognitive performance.