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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2015

Beth E. Snitz ,
Brent J. Small ,
Tianxiu Wang ,
Chung-Chou H. Chang ,
Tiffany F. Hughes  and
Mary Ganguli
Beth E. Snitz*
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Brent J. Small
Affiliation:
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
Tianxiu Wang
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chung-Chou H. Chang
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tiffany F. Hughes
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mary Ganguli
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Beth E. Snitz, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Forbes Avenue, Suite 830, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. E-mail: snitzbe@upmc.edu
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Abstract

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. Using bivariate latent change score modeling in data from a population study (N=1980) over 5 annual assessment cycles, we tested four 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. 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. 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. (JINS, 2015, 21, 732–742)

Keywords

AgingLatent change score modelingAge-related memory disorders (MeSH)EpidemiologyMeta-cognitionAnosognosia
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 21 , Supplement 9 , October 2015 , pp. 732 - 742
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2015 

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