title: Subjective cognitive impairment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the recent (2011-2012) literature relevant to subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), focusing principally on studies of this symptom in older age groups. This is an issue of growing importance: although the symptom itself is controversial in older people because of variable associations with objective cognitive impairment, it remains one of the few presenting complaints which may identify people experiencing early cognitive decline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several neuroimaging studies confirm earlier reports of associations between SCI and underlying abnormalities whereas those between subjective and objective cognitive function remain heterogeneous. Several studies now highlight the fact that, regardless of underlying associations, SCI as a symptom is associated with significant concern but is something for which older people rarely seek help.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neuroimaging findings suggest that older people may be more aware of underlying brain changes than was previously apparent or than can be detected using conventional neuropsychological assessments. However, not all of these brain changes are necessarily progressive or neurodegenerative. At least some attention should be paid to interventions for what is a common, often distressing, but underreported symptom.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric Epidemiology and Clinical Informatics, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. robert.stewart@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors