Subjective memory complaints in the elderly: a sign of cognitive impairment?

Authors

  • Alessandro Ferrari Jacinto Universidade de Sao Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Neurology
  • Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki Universidade de Sao Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Neurology
  • Claudia Sellitto Porto Universidade de Sao Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Department of Neurology
  • Milton de Arruda Martins Universidade de Sao Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Internal Medicine
  • Ricardo Nitrini Universidade de Sao Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Internal Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/clin.v69i3.77111

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment in the elderly is frequently overlooked by general practitioners. The use of subjective memory complaints as a sign of cognitive impairment by the general practice is controversial. METHODS: Elderly individuals (N = 248) were asked whether they had memory complaints and underwent a cognitive impairment screening. Subjects classified as exhibiting “probable cognitive impairment” underwent a complete cognitive evaluation, and the final diagnoses were established by expert consensus. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients presented with subjective memory complaints, and 43 were further classified as demented or “cognitively impaired not demented”. Subjective memory complaints presented a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION: Subjective memory complaints are an indicator for cognitive impairment screening.

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Published

2014-03-01

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2014)

Section

Clinical Sciences

How to Cite

Jacinto, A. F., Brucki, S. M. D., Porto, C. S., de Arruda Martins, M., & Nitrini, R. (2014). Subjective memory complaints in the elderly: a sign of cognitive impairment?. Clinics, 69(3), 194-197. https://doi.org/10.1590/clin.v69i3.77111