B - 33 Characterization of Subjective Cognitive Complaints in a Population-Based Sample.

Abstract

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) represent one's perception of cognitive change that may relate to cognitive decline. This study characterized SCC endorsement and objective cognitive performance in minority populations. Participants from a population-based, multiethnic cardiovascular risk study (N = 2653; Age = (18-85); Female = 58%; Black = 51%; Hispanic = 14%) responded to questions about their subjective cognitive functioning prior to completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Participants endorsed "Yes" or "No" to the following items: 1) Do you have consistent memory problems, 2) If YES, do they interfere with everyday activities, and 3) do you have trouble figuring things out/solving problems. Descriptive and chi-squared analyses characterized endorsement among ethnoracial groups. One-way ANCOVA controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and education compared MoCA scores by endorsement pattern. Nineteen percent (N = 520) of participants endorsed SCCs, in which blacks endorsed SCCs at a higher rate (22.4%; p < 0.008) than other ethnoracial groups (White = 16.3%; Hispanic = 17.8%). ANCOVA revealed significantly higher mean MoCA scores in those without cognitive complaints (MoCA = 23.4, N = 2122) than those who endorsed Item 3 (MoCA = 21.7, N = 42, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.001), Items 1&3 (MoCA = 21.8, N = 42, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.002), and Items 1,2, &3 (MoCA = 19.6, N = 100, p = <0.001, η2 = 0.024), respectively. Black individuals were more likely to endorse SCC's than other ethnoracial groups. Interestingly, memory complaints alone were not associated with cognitive performance, while those with problem solving concerns (with or without memory concerns) showed poorer cognitive performance. While a self-appraisal of executive functioning produced the strongest effect, future investigations are needed to characterize and distinguish the most sensitive SCCs to enhance clinical utility of brief screeners.