Subjective memory complaints: presence, severity and future outcome in normal older subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Subjective memory complaint (SMC) in normal individuals may predict future cognitive decline. The goal of this study was to examine whether the probability of decline increases with growing intensity of complaint.


METHODS
Normal subjects over the age of 50 years were included in a longitudinal retrospective study (mean follow-up time = 8 years). All subjects (n = 230) underwent cognitive and medical examination at baseline. The presence of SMC was determined based on Global Deterioration Scale staging. A subgroup of 83 participants also received baseline assessment for the intensity of SMC. Logistic regression was used to predict outcome from baseline variables. Three outcome groups were established at the final visit: nondeclining, declining and diagnostically unstable (i.e. the diagnosis changed over time: from normal to mild cognitive impairment, then back to normal).


RESULTS
The presence of SMC was a predictor of future decline but also increased the likelihood of the unstable diagnosis. Increasing intensity of SMC did not further raise the risk for decline. High intensity of complaints and more pronounced affective symptoms predicted the unstable clinical diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of SMC contributes to the risk of future decline, however, the increasing intensity of the perceived impairment does not further enhance the risk.
Glodzik-Sobanska
Lidia
L
Center for Brain Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA. lidia.sobanska@med.nyu.edu
Reisberg
Barry
B
De Santi
Susan
S
Babb
James S
JS
Pirraglia
Elizabeth
E
Rich
Kenneth E
KE
Brys
Miroslaw
M
de Leon
Mony J
MJ
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome