Subjective Memory Complaints: Symptoms and Outcome in Different Research Settings

Issue title: Subjective Cognitive Decline

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Archer, Hilary Anne^{a; *} | Newson, Margaret Anne^b | Coulthard, Elizabeth Jane^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK | [b] North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Dr. Hilary Archer, Department of ClinicalNeurosciences, Learning and Research, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. Tel.: +44 0117 9505050/Ext.: 47813; Fax: +44 0117 414 8277; Hilary.archer@bristol.ac.uk

Abstract: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are important and may, in certain individuals, herald the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer’s disease. However, they are very common and in some individuals will result from mood disorders/personality factors or systemic illnesses. Research has been hampered by the wide variety of criteria and neuropsychological tests used to define this disorder. Different terminology has also hindered the ability to generate generalizable results. We evaluate how subjects with SMC are defined within different research settings (community, primary care, and memory clinic), their rates of progression to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and how individuals within these contexts differ in terms of complaints, personal characteristics, and help-seeking behavior.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, complaints, memory, subjective, setting

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-150108

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 48, no. s1, pp. S109-S114, 2015