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Original Article

Subjective Memory Complaints and Conversion to Dementia in Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline and Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published Online:June 15, 2016https://doi.org/10.1024/1016-264X/a000175

Abstract

Abstract.Background: Subjective cognitive complaints and their clinical significance are discussed controversially. Objectives: To determine the clinical validity of subjective cognitive complaints among subjects with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design: Longitudinal study with one follow up examination at a University based out-patient memory clinic. Participants: A clinical sample of patietns with SCD and MCI (n = 141), aged 50 and older, who came to the memory outpatient clinic. Results: No significant differences between converters and non converters regarding subjective cognitive complaints were detected. MCI patients had a higher risk than the patients with SCD developing AD (OR = 7.3 [CI 0.9 to 61.2]. Verbal memory testing using the Verbal Selektive Reminding Test (VSRT) showed better diagnostic validity than subjective cognitive complaints using the Forgetfulness Assessment Inventory (FAI) in predicting conversion to dementia. Conclusion: Verbal memory testing was superior in predicting conversion to dementia compared to subjective cognitive complaints.


Subjektive Gedächtnisbeschwerden bei Patienten mit subjektiven kognitiven Beschwerden und Patienten mit leichter kognitiver Beeinträchtigung und ihre Relevanz für Früherkennung von Demenz

Zusammenfassung.Hintergrund: Subjektive kognitive Beschwerden und deren klinische Bedeutung werden kontrovers diskutiert. Ziele: Bestimmung der prognostischen Validität von subjektiven kognitiven Beschwerden bei Patienten mit subjective cognitive decline (SCD) und Patienten mit leichter kognitiver Beeinträchtigung (MCI) Design: Längsschnittuntersuchung mit einer Follow up Untersuchung im Rahmen einer universitären Gedächtnisambulanz. Teilnehmer: Klinische Stichprobe (n = 141) von Patienten mit subjective cognitive decline (SCD) und Patienten mit leichter kognitiver Beeinträchtigung (MCI) im Alter von über 50 Jahren. Ergebnisse: Es fanden sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich subjektiver kognitiver Beschwerden zwischen Patienten die Demenz entwickelten und Patienten die keine Demenz entwickelten. MCI-Patienten hatten ein höheres Risiko als Patienten mit SCD eine Demenz zu entwickeln (OR = 7,3 [CI 0,9 – 61,2]. Neuropsychologische Gedächtnistestung mit dem Verbalen Selektiven Reminding Test (VSRT) zeigte eine bessere diagnostische Aussagekraft als die Beurteilung der subjektiven kognitiven Beschwerden mittels Forgetfulness Assessment Inventory (FAI) für die Vorhersage einer Demenz. Konklusion: Im Vergleich zu subjektiven kognitiven Beschwerden waren verbale Gedächtnistests in Hinblick auf die Demenzvorhersage überlegen.

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