Do subjective memory complaints predict cognitive dysfunction over time? A six-year follow-up of the Maastricht Aging Study.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Middle-aged and older people often worry that their perceived diminishing memory function may indicate incipient dementia.

OBJECTIVES:
The present study addresses questions regarding subjective memory complaints as a predictor of lower performance on cognitive tasks. Also, in participants with subjective memory complaints it was investigated, whether trying to keep mentally active improved memory function. Characteristics of the participants who were and were not interested in an intervention to decrease worries and to improve memory in daily life were determined.

METHODS:
Data were obtained from a large longitudinal study:
the Maastricht Aging Study, involving 557 participants aged 55 to 85 years. Follow-up measurement was performed after 6 years. Outcome variables were simple, complex and general information processing speed and immediate and delayed recall.

RESULTS:
At baseline, forgetfulness was associated with a slower general information processing and delayed recall. At the six-year follow-up, being forgetful was not associated with a significant change in cognitive performance. Taking steps to remain cognitively active was not a predictor of better performance on cognitive tasks at baseline or at the six-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION:
Being forgetful might be an indicator of slower general information processing speed and delayed recall at baseline but does not predict cognitive change over 6 years in older adults. However, the effects are rather small and cannot directly be generalized to applications in clinical settings. Other factors, such as depression and anxiety might also underlie the cause of the forgetfulness.

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Author information

Author/s: Mol, Martine E M (ME); van Boxtel, Martin P J (MP); Willems, Dick (D); Jolles, Jelle (J);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Euron, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. matrine.mol(-atsign-)np.unimaas.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: International journal of geriatric psychiatry (Int J Geriatr Psychiatry), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-May; vol 21 (issue 5) : pp 432-41

Dates: Created 2006/05/11; Completed 2007/01/04;

PMID: 16676287, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged
Anxiety
Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; psychology
Depression
Educational Status
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans

Humans
Male
Memory Disorders - etiology; psychology; rehabilitation
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Prognosis
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

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