Memory complaints; the association with psycho-affective and health problems and the role of personality characteristics

Objectives: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are common in older people and previous research has shown an association with mood problems, such as depression and anxiety. SMC form part of the criteria for many definitions of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but there is controversy over whether they should be included as they may be related more strongly to mood than to objective cognitive impairment. This study aims to clarify the relationship between mood and SMC in people with MCI. Method: This paper reports an analysis of data from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing study. Structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older people to assess a range of aspects of cognitive functioning and mood. Data from two time points approximately 24 months apart were used in this analysis. At baseline, participants without dementia or severe cognitive impairment were categorised into three groups according to cognitive status. Mood was investigated by assessing symptoms of anxiety and depression which were defined using a diagnostic algorithm. Associations were tested using logistic regression and chi square analyses. Results: A clear association was shown between SMC and mood, both cross-sectionally and over time. The relationship between our two competing definitions of MCI suggested that mood problems were more strongly related to the presence of SMC than objective cognitive impairment. Conclusion: SMC may be a function of anxiety and depression rather than being related to objective cognitive function. This questions whether SMC should be included in definitions of MCI.

show abstract

“…However, studies with longer follow-up periods have reported similar results (Comijs, Deeg, Dik, Twisk, & Jonker, 2002;Jorm et al, 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

Subjective Memory Complaints are Involved in the Relationship between Mood and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Yates

Clare

Woods

et al. 2015

JAD

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The finding that depression and anxiety are related to subjective memory complaints is a plausible finding, because negative affect and mood are often seen as a part of well-being (Felce et al, 1995;Diener et al, 1998). Furthermore, previous research has shown that subjective memory complaints are associated with symptoms of depression (Ponds et al, 1997) and anxiety (Comijs et al, 2002). Thus, symptoms of depression seem to be related to both perceived forgetfulness and quality of life.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

The effect of perceived forgetfulness on quality of life in older adults; a qualitative review

Mol

Carpay

Ramakers

et al. 2006

Int J Geriat Psychiatry

121

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

SUMMARYBackground Approximately 50% of older individuals perceive themselves as being forgetful. Objective The objective of this review is to get an overview of previous research on the relation between perceived forgetfulness (in the absence of objective memory deficit) and quality of life in older individuals. Findings in previous research might be a starting point for further research and possible future interventions. Methods Scientific papers that investigated the relation between subjective memory complaints and quality of life were searched. Two independent raters scored the articles on their methodology. The methodological quality was taken into account when conclusions were drawn. Results The literature search resulted in 682 articles, of which five studies met the inclusion criteria. Although the five studies differed in their methodology, the findings of the methodologically adequate studies show a relation between memory complaints and a diminished quality of life in the elderly. Conclusions The negative impact that subjective memory complaints can have on quality of life makes it important to acknowledge forgetfulness as a serious issue in the life of older individuals. However, more research is needed to explore the relationship between subjective memory complaints and quality of life, also with regard to the influence of depression and objective memory performance.

show abstract

“…We found that negative cognitive bias was most closely associated with memory complaints. Prior work is limited by the use of a model of depression that does not address maladaptive thinking that can lead to memory complaints (Baron & Kenny, 1986;Comijs et al, 2002;McDougall, 2004). There is limited research that has evaluated the construct of negative cognitive bias as a mediator between depressive symptoms and subjective memory.…”

Section: Negative Cognitive Bias As a Mediatormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Components of negative cognitive bias such as hopelessness and low self-esteem and have also been linked to subjective memory (Comijs, Deeg, Dik, Twisk, & Jonker, 2002;McDougall, 2004). Turvey et al (2000) proposed that memory complaints could result from the negative cognitive style or even a pathophysiologic process unique to depression that impairs an individual's ability to self-assess memory function.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The link between depressive symptoms, negative cognitive bias and memory complaints in older adults

Crane

Bogner

Brown

et al. 2007

Aging & Mental Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives-We sought to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective memory problems. We hypothesized that the relationship between depressive symptoms and poor subjective memory functioning is mediated by negative cognitive bias that is associated with hopelessness, a wish to die and low self-esteem.Methods-Complete data were available for 299 older adults with and without significant depressive symptoms who were screened in primary care offices and invited to participate, completed a baseline in-home assessment. Subjective memory functioning and psychological status was assessed with commonly used, validated standard questionnaires.Results-In regression models that included terms for age, gender and cognitive measures, depressive symptoms were significantly inversely associated with the global self-assessment of memory (β = −0.019; p = 0.006). When components of negative cognitive bias were included in the model (hopelessness, low self-esteem, a wish to die), the relationship of depressive symptoms with subjective memory problems was attenuated, consistent with mediation.Conclusions-Our results suggest that assessment and successful interventions for memory complaints in non-demented older adults need to account for negative cognitive bias as well as depressive symptoms. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm our findings before a mediator relationship can be presumed.

show abstract

Memory complaints; the association with psycho-affective and health problems and the role of personality characteristics

Cited by 269 publications

References 25 publications

Subjective Memory Complaints are Involved in the Relationship between Mood and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Subjective Memory Complaints are Involved in the Relationship between Mood and Mild Cognitive Impairment

The effect of perceived forgetfulness on quality of life in older adults; a qualitative review

The link between depressive symptoms, negative cognitive bias and memory complaints in older adults

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About