Do Subjective Memory Complaints Lead or Follow Objective Cognitive Change? A Five-Year Population Study of Temporal Influence

Abstract

Objective The relationship between subjective memory complaints (SM) and objective memory (OM) performance in aging has been variably characterized in a substantial literature, to date. In particular, cross-sectional studies often observe weak or no associations. We investigated whether subjective memory complaints and objectively measured cognition influence each other over time, and if so, which is the stronger pathway of change – objective to subjective, or subjective to objective – or whether they are both important. Method Using bivariate latent change score modeling in data from a population study (N=1980) over 5 annual assessment cycles, we tested 4 corresponding hypotheses: 1) no coupling between SM and OM over time; 2) SM as leading indicator of change in OM; 3) OM as leading indicator of change in SM; 4) dual coupling over time, with both SM and OM leading subsequent change in the other. We also extended objective cognition to two other domains, language and executive functions. Results The dual-coupling models best fit the data for all three objective cognitive domains. The SM – OM temporal dynamics differ qualitatively compared to other domains, potentially reflecting changes in insight and self-awareness specific to memory impairment. Conclusions Subjective memory and objective cognition reciprocally influence each other over time. The temporal dynamics between subjective and objective cognition in aging are nuanced, and must be carefully disentangled to shed light on the underlying processes.

A ‘Disease Severity Index’ to identify individuals with Subjective Memory Decline who will progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia

“…The relationship between subjective cognitive complaints and objective performance is not clear and the inconsistency described in previous studies may be related to sample characteristics, but also the instruments used to measure both complaints and objective performance. Our results are consistent with other studies investigating homogeneous samples with high β-amyloid burden or APOE ε4 carriers6891011121314, where a positive association has been described. As recently claimed, the association between subjective and objective memory do exists but is nuanced6.…”

The dynamics of the development of mathematics skills: A comparison of theories of developing intelligence.

“…The strength of these mutual relations between abilities are captured in the M matrix in the mutualism model and can be both unidirectionalas for example in investment theory where growth in crystallized intelligence is fueled by niet growth in, maar juist 'level' fluid intelligence Cattell (1971) -or bidirectional. These bidirectional facilitating relations have previously been observed between the development of cognitive strategies and short-term memory (Siegler and Alibali, 2005), vocabulary and reading ability (Quinn et al, 2015) and between subjective and objective memory in aging (Snitz et al, 2015). In mathematics, van der Ven et al (2012) found a positive interactions between changes in math skills and changes in working memory, suggesting mutual influences in their development.…”

Longitudinal Assessment of Self- and Informant-Subjective Cognitive Complaints in a Sample of Healthy Late-Middle Aged Adults Enriched with a Family History of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…While this is consistent with some studies (Cargin et al, 2008; Pearman et al, 2014), several studies, after controlling for depressive symptoms, found correlated longitudinal changes between self-SCC and OM. (Hulur et al, 2015; Parisi et al, 2011; Snitz et al, 2015; Zimprich & Kurtz, 2015). Methodological differences may partially account for some of this inconsistency in that our study included a brief total longitudinal time-frame (mean interval across 3 visits = 4 years), with a relatively healthy and younger cohort (Visit 1 mean = 58 years) that may be exhibiting stable performance on OM compared to older individuals.…”

“…Additional limitations include our separate linear mixed effects models approach, as several studies reporting covariation between SCC and OM used latent growth curve modeling (Hulur et al, 2015; Mascherek & Zimprich, 2011; Parisi et al, 2011; Snitz et al, 2015; Zimprich & Kurtz, 2015); which could be particularly useful as our sample ages and likelihood of variability in cognitive function increases. Also, the low test–retest reliability of the IQCODE is inconsistent with previous reliability measurements (Jorm & Jacomb, 1989; Jorm, Scott, Cullen, & MacKinnon, 1991; Jorm, 2004) and again may be partially due to the relatively healthy status and younger age of our sample.…”