title: Memory complaints in the elderly: quality of life and daily living activities. A population based study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigate whether Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC) are associated with specific aspects of quality of life and activities of daily living.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study (random sample of the non-institutionalized census population): 1637 subjects over 64 years. SMC were obtained through questions regarding memory complaints. Coop/Wonca questionnaire, Katz Index and Lawton Scale were also administrated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant association between SMC with global quality of life and every dimension of quality of life is found (p<0.05). There is also a significant association with every item of Lawton Scale (p<0.001) and Katz Index (p<0.01). Variables associated with SMC identified by logistic regression are: difficulties in using telephone, in taking medication, in social activities and a low self perceived health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subjects with memory complaints are a heterogeneous group. Quality of life and activities of daily living are both associated with SMC.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Public Health Institute, Madrid Salud, Madrid City Council, Spain. montejop@madrid.es
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Montejo
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Montenegro
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maestú
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires