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

Abstract

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.

Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Complaint in Postacute Older Adult Stroke Patients

“…A frequent explanation for the relation between lowered mood and subjective cognitive complaint focuses on the potential of negative affect to cause subjective evaluations of cognitive functioning. [32][33][34] This explanation is supported by studies showing that successful treatment of depression does decrease subjective memory complaints. 35,36 It is also possible, however, that negative affect is a reaction to perceived cognitive deficits rather than being a direct cause of subjective complaint.…”

Clinical investigation of set-shifting subtypes in anorexia nervosa

“…Individuals affected by ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to be characterized by both perfectionism and sub-optimal set-shifting abilities (Cavedini et al, 2010;Bradbury et al, 2011;Demeter et al, 2013) raising the hypothesis that perfectionistic personality traits could underpin both AN symptomatology and poor set-shifting abilities (Friederich and Herzog, 2011). From a clinical standpoint, such personality traits are of particular interest since associated with negative outcomes (Crane et al, 2007) and possible mediators in the treatment of AN (Lock et al, 2005).…”

Predictors of Subjective Memory in Young Adults

“…Other studies simply begin with the assumption that older adults have worse subjective memory than younger adults (e.g. Cook and Marsiske 2006;Crane et al 2007;Pearman and Storandt 2005). If we are to use memory complaints as criteria for diagnosing memory problems in later life or as a diagnostic tool in younger adults, we clearly need to have a better understanding of both their levels and what they mean across the lifespan.…”