Subjective memory complaints, psychological distress, and longitudinal change in objective memory performance

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Subjective memory complaints are common in older adults.
• Understanding the predictors of these complaints is crucial for assessing cognitive health.
• Previous research has explored links between memory performance and subjective reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictors of subjective memory ratings in older adults.
• To compare the predictive power of emotional status versus objective memory performance on memory complaints.
• To assess the relationship between longitudinal cognitive changes and memory problems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 294 participants (ages 55-97) from a normative study.
• Employed the Memory Function Questionnaire General Frequency of Forgetting Scale (MFQ-GEN).
• Used Symptom Checklist-90-Revised General Severity Index (GSI) and Mayo Cognitive Factor Scales (MCFS-LRN, MCFS-RET) for emotional and cognitive assessments.

Main Results:

• Emotional status (GSI) explained 20% of the variance in memory complaints (MFQ-GEN).
• Objective learning (MCFS-LRN) explained only 3% of the variance in memory complaints.
• Cognitive impairment predicted increased memory problems, but complaints had low sensitivity for identifying impairment.

Conclusions:

• Emotional well-being is a stronger predictor of subjective memory ratings than objective memory performance in older adults.
• Memory complaints are frequent but not always indicative of significant cognitive decline or impairment.
• Further research should consider emotional factors in understanding memory complaints in aging populations.