title: Does social activity influence the accuracy of subjective memory deficit? Findings from a British community survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the association between subjective memory deficit (SMD) and cognitive impairment in a community population and modification of this association by level of social activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  A defined geographic catchment area in north London, England.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six hundred fifty-four residents aged 65 and older.
  
  
  METHODS
  SMD and cognitive impairment were derived from the relevant sections of the short Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation instrument, and social activity was derived from the Social Support Deficit Scale. Potential confounding factors taken into account included depression and level of functioning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported SMD, which was associated with objective impairment (odds ratio (OR)=3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.1-5.8). This association was stronger in participants with higher social activity (OR=6.1, 95% CI=2.9-13.0) than in those who were more isolated (OR=1.8, 95% CI=0.8-3.8). The interaction with social activity remained significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors (P=.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A person's social environment influences the accuracy of SMD. This may reflect the level of cognitive demands encountered in daily life or the extent to which others notice cognitive impairment.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Education, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trouton
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prince
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom