The Gospel Oak Study stage IV: the clinical relevance of subjective memory impairment in older people

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 779-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Tobiansky ◽  
R. Blizard ◽  
G. Livingston ◽  
A. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
Screening Questions ◽  
Population Screen ◽  
With Memory

SYNOPSISThe prevalence rate of subjective memory impairment (SMI) and its value as a predictor of future depression or dementia was studied in a community sample of elderly residents in one electoral ward using the short-CARE. SMI was found to be common, occurring in 25% of subjects. Subjects with SMI were more likely to be suffering from either dementia or depression than those without the complaint, although 60% of subjects with SMI did not have evidence of either disorder. When followed up over a 2-year period, subjects with SMI were found to be at four-fold greater risk of developing future dementia and two-fold greater risk of developing a depression compared with those without SMI. The SMI scale was not found to be useful as a population screen for dementia or depression, although two of the nine items might have value as screening questions in clinical circumstances to determine those with memory complaints at risk for dementia.

Are depressive symptomatology and self-focused attention associated with subjective memory impairment in older adults?

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juhee Chin ◽  
Kyung Ja Oh ◽  
Sang Won Seo ◽  
Duk L. Na
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Subjective Memory Complaints ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Memory Complaints

ABSTRACTBackground:Subjective memory impairment (SMI) refers to conditions in which people complain of memory problems despite intact cognition. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the roles of self-focused attention and depressive symptomatology in subjective memory complaints.Methods:One hundred and eight patients who visited a memory disorder clinic with complaints of memory decline, but who were found on subsequent neuropsychological assessment to have normal cognitive function, were recruited to participate in the study. The severity of subjective memory complaints was measured with the modified Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire. In addition, neuropsychological functions, self-focused attention, and depressive symptomatology were also assessed.Results:The results showed that the severity of SMI was not significantly correlated with any of the neuropsychological test scores except for the complex figure copy. The severity of SMI, however, was significantly correlated with self-focused attention and depressive symptomatology. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that self-focused attention and depressive symptomatology significantly contributed to the severity of subjective memory complaints over and above the neuropsychological test performance. The interaction effects between self-focused attention/depressive symptomatology and objective memory performance on the severity of SMI were not significant.Conclusions:In conclusion, self-focused attention and depressive symptomatology appear to play important roles in the severity of SMI, even though it is not clear how these factors interact with objective memory performance. Clinical implications as well as limitations of the present study were discussed.

scholarly journals The association between vascular factors and subjective memory impairment in older people: The HUNT Study, Norway

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Melbye Langballe ◽  
Kristian Tambs ◽  
Ingvild Saltvedt ◽  
Kristian Midthjell ◽  
Jostein Holmen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Older People ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
High Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
High Exercise Intensity

<p><em><strong>Objectives:</strong></em> Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is often considered an early sign of dementia. This study investigates the relationship between SMI and dementia-related vascular factors in older people.</p><p><em><strong>Method:</strong></em> This study was based on data from 12,255 individuals, 65 years and older, participating in the Nord-Trøndelag health study, third survey 2006-08 (HUNT3). SMI, vascular diseases, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption were self-reported. Blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) were clinically measured. SMI were predicted using linear regression analysis.</p><p><em><strong>Results:</strong></em> Stroke and heart disease were associated with SMI. High exercise intensity was associated with less SMI. Respondents with high systolic blood pressure (SBP) reported less SMI than those with moderate SBP. In men, low SBP was associated with significantly more SMI compared to those with moderate SBP. In women, moderate alcohol consumption compared to low alcohol consumption was associated with significantly more SMI.</p><p><em><strong>Conclusion:</strong></em> SMI was positively associated with stroke and heart disease in this study. For the other investigated vascular factors, we did not find strong relationships with SMI. However, for preventive and treatment purposes, it is noteworthy that high exercise intensity and high systolic blood pressure was associated with less SMI in both genders.</p>

Memory complaints as a precursor of memory impairment in older people: a longitudinal analysis over 7–8 years

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. JORM ◽  
H. CHRISTENSEN ◽  
A. E. KORTEN ◽  
P. A. JACOMB ◽  
A. S. HENDERSON
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
With Memory

Background. There is considerable dispute about the validity of memory complaints. While some studies find that complaints are an early indicator of dementia or cognitive decline, there are also many studies showing that complaints are more closely associated with negative affect (depression, anxiety and neuroticism). The present paper used three-wave longitudinal data to test three hypotheses: (1) that memory complaints reflect an evaluation of present and past memory performance; (2) that memory complaints predict future memory performance; and (3) that memory complaints predict current and future negative affect.Methods. A longitudinal study was carried out with a community sample of people aged 70 and over. Participants were assessed for memory complaints, memory performance and negative affect at three waves separated by 3·6 years and 4·0 years. There were 331 persons with data on all relevant variables. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.Results. Significant paths in the structural model were found from memory performance to future memory complaints, as well as from memory complaints to future memory performance, supporting hypotheses 1 and 2. Memory complaints were associated with current negative affect, but did not predict future negative affect.Conclusions. Memory complaints do reflect perceptions of past memory performance and are also an early manifestation of memory impairment. However, current negative affect (anxiety and depression symptoms) shows the greatest association with memory complaints.

Depression, APOE genotype and subjective memory impairment: a cross-sectional study in an African-Caribbean population

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. STEWART ◽  
C. RUSS ◽  
M. RICHARDS ◽  
C. BRAYNE ◽  
S. LOVESTONE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Apoe Genotype ◽  
Physical Impairment ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Memory Complaints ◽  
African Caribbean ◽  
Ε4 Allele ◽  
Caribbean Population

Background. Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is common in older populations but its aetiology and clinical significance is uncertain. Depression has been reported to be strongly associated with SMI. Associations with objective cognitive impairment are less clear cut. Other factors suggested to be associated with SMI include poor physical health and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. Studies of SMI have been predominantly confined to white Caucasian populations.Method. A community study was carried out in a UK African-Caribbean population aged 55–75, sampled from primary care lists. Twenty-three per cent were classified with SMI. Depression was defined using the 10-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Other aetiological factors investigated were education, objective cognitive function, APOE genotype, disablement and vascular disease/risk. The principal analysis was restricted to 243 participants scoring > 20 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (85%). A second analysis included all 290 participants.Results. Depression, self-reported physical impairment and APOE ε4 were associated with SMI. The association between SMI and physical impairment was not explained by depression, vascular disease/risk, or disability/handicap. The association between ε4 and SMI increased as MMSE scores decreased and was particularly strong in those with depression. The ε4 allele was present in 69% (95% CI 41–89%) of those with depression and SMI compared with 28% (20–36%) of those with neither.Conclusions. Depression may not be a sufficient explanation for subjective memory complaints. Memory complaints in the presence of depression are associated with high prevalence of ε4 and therefore, presumably, a raised risk of subsequent dementia.

scholarly journals Longitudinal neuroimaging correlates of subjective memory impairment: 4-year prospective community study

2011 ◽  
Vol 198 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Stewart ◽  
Ophélia Godin ◽  
Fabrice Crivello ◽  
Pauline Maillard ◽  
Bernard Mazoyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Volume Change ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Hippocampal Volume ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Brain Changes

BackgroundComplaints about memory are common in older people but their relationship with underlying brain changes is controversial.AimsTo investigate the relationship between subjective memory impairment and previous or subsequent changes in white matter lesions and brain volumes.MethodIn a community cohort study of 1336 people without dementia, 4-year changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging measures were investigated as correlates of subjective memory impairment at baseline and follow-up.ResultsSubjective memory impairment at baseline was associated with subsequent change in hippocampal volume and at follow-up impairment was associated with previous change in hippocampal, cerebrospinal fluid and grey matter volume and with subcortical white matter lesion increases. All associations with volume changes were U-shaped with significant quadratic terms – associations between least decline and subjective memory impairment were potentially explained by lower baseline hippocampal volumes in the groups with least volume change. Associations between hippocampal volume change and subjective memory impairment at follow-up were independent of cognitive decline and depressive symptoms, they were stronger in participants with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ∊4 allele and in those without baseline subjective memory impairment.ConclusionsComplaints of poor memory by older people, particularly when new, may be a realistic subjective appraisal of recent brain changes independent of observed cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Embarking on a memory assessment voices of older persons living with memory impairment

Dementia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 147130122091063
Author(s):  
Marie Tyrrell ◽  
Dorota Religa ◽  
Bjöörn Fossum ◽  
Ragnhild Hedman ◽  
Kirsti Skovdahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Memory Assessment ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
With Memory

Aim To describe older persons who had commenced a memory assessment, experiences of living with memory impairment and related symptoms. Background Persons with subjective memory impairment are two times more likely to develop dementia over the years than their peers. Older persons seldom seek help from primary health care clinics solely for subjective memory impairment. Of those who seek help, it can take up to 35 months from the person experiencing initial symptoms to referral to a memory clinic. Further research is needed regarding how older persons live with memory impairment with related symptoms before they receive a memory diagnosis. Method A qualitative study with 23 participants who had commenced a memory assessment in primary care. Semi-structured interviews were held. During the interviews, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was completed and discussed with the participants. Interview data were analysed using Interpretive Description. Results The results are presented under four themes: Conflicting views about the situation, Unveiling the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, Compensating with external and internal strategies to recall and Worrying about self and future. Persons with memory impairment were encouraged by family members or others to seek a memory assessment. Few persons were self-referred as memory impairment was often seen as a part of aging. Polarised viewpoints existed within the families regarding the impact of memory impairment on daily life. The presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms appeared unexplored in the participants seeking a memory assessment. In this study, the majority of participants experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms at the time of contact for a memory assessment. Conclusions Memory problems experienced were often viewed by the person as being part of an aging process. The presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms was not acknowledged as being connected to memory impairment. Contextualising ‘memory impairment’ as a part of a ‘cognitive process’ may help the person in identifying the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

The role of depression in the insomnia of people with subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia in a community sample of elderly individuals in South Korea

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Won-Hyoung Kim ◽  
Ji-Hyun Kim ◽  
Byung-Soo Kim ◽  
Sung-Man Chang ◽  
Dong-Woo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Sleep Complaints ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTBackground:This study investigates the relationship between insomnia and cognitive dysfunctions including, subjective memory impairment (SMI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, by considering depression in a community sample of elderly individuals.Methods:Data for 1,740 elderly individuals aged 65 years and over were obtained from a nationwide dementia epidemiological study conducted in South Korea. Cognitive functional status was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet Clinical Assessment Battery. Insomnia was defined as the presence of at least one of the four sleep complaints (difficulty in initiating sleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, and non-restorative sleep), accompanied by moderate to severe daytime consequences. Depression was evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale.Results:The prevalence of insomnia in the patients with SMI, MCI, and dementia was found to be 23.2%, 19.6%, and 31.0%, respectively. The patients with SMI, MCI, and dementia were significantly more likely to have insomnia and the four sleep complaints than the normal comparison patients. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the significant relationships between cognitive dysfunctional status and insomnia remained. However, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and depression, no significant relationships with any of the sleep complaints or insomnia remained.Conclusion:Insomnia is a very common complaint in the elderly with SMI, MCI, and dementia. Depression might play an important factor in the relationship between insomnia and cognitive dysfunctional status in the elderly.

Patterns of subjective memory impairment in the elderly: association with memory performance

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1753-1762 ◽  
Author(s):  
FRANK JESSEN ◽  
BIRGITT WIESE ◽  
GABRIELA CVETANOVSKA ◽  
ANGELA FUCHS ◽  
HANNA KADUSZKIEWICZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Subjective Memory Impairment ◽  
Memory Complaints

AbstractBackgroundThe association of subjective memory impairment (SMI) with cognitive performance in healthy elderly subjects is poor because of confounds such as depression. However, SMI is also a predictor for future dementia. Thus, there is a need to identify subtypes of SMI that are particularly related to inferior memory performance and may represent at-risk stages for cognitive decline.MethodA total of 2389 unimpaired subjects were recruited from the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe), as part of the German Competence Network on Dementia. Clusters of SMI according to patterns of response to SMI questions were identified. Gender, age, depressive symptoms, apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype, delayed recall and verbal fluency were included in a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis to identify discriminators between the clusters.ResultsWe identified three clusters. Cluster 1 contained subjects without memory complaints. Cluster 2 contained subjects with general memory complaints, but mainly without memory complaints on individual tasks of daily living. Cluster 3 contained subjects with general memory complaints and complaints on individual tasks of daily living. Depressive symptoms, as the first-level discriminator, distinguished between clusters 1 and 2versuscluster 3. In subjects with only a few depressive symptoms, delayed recall discriminated between cluster 1versusclusters 2 and 3.ConclusionsIn SMI subjects with only a minor number of depressive symptoms, memory complaints are associated with delayed recall. As delayed recall is a sensitive predictor for future cognitive decline, SMI may be the first manifestation of future dementia in elderly subjects without depression.

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