Do subjective memory complaints predict cognitive dysfunction over time? A six-year follow-up of the Maastricht Aging Study.
BACKGROUND
Middle-aged and older people often worry that their perceived diminishing memory function may indicate incipient dementia.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mol
Martine E M
ME
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Euron, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. matrine.mol@np.unimaas.nl
van Boxtel
Martin P J
MP
Willems
Dick
D
Jolles
Jelle
J