CHARACTERISING SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is increasingly recognised in both the clinical and research arena as a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, in comparison to MCI and AD, SCI remains relatively poorly characterised, with debate persisting regarding its clinical relevance and importance. Possible explanations for the debate is a lack of awareness amongst clinicians regarding what SCI is, what aspects of brain function it may impact on, and the influence such functional detriment may have upon quality of life and well-being. A principal aim in both the clinical and research arena is to further characterise what functions may be abnormal in SCI in addition to reported feelings of changes in memory and cognition. The present cross-sectional study was designed to characterise SCI in the general-public (i.e., not medically diagnosed) with respect to visual attention-related processing speed (RT) and the intra-individual variability of reaction time (IIVRT) and in relation to various factors including the cognition, memory, mood, anxiety, neuroticism and quality of life of the participants. The results revealed that at group level there were no significant differences in RT and IIVRT between the SCI and non-SCI group. However, within-group correlational analysis identified that within the SCI group, there was evidence of slowing RT and increased IIVRT. In addition, at group level those in the SCI group were also experiencing significant distress in relation to anxiety, depression and poor QOL. Within the current study it is not possible to identify cause and effect, therefore the individuals in the SCI group cannot simply be dismissed as being ‘worried well’. They still require a full-comprehensive assessment, a follow-up assessment, and appropriate support. This presentation will reveal and explore what characteristics of SCI were identified within this study and what the next steps are (i.e. the testing of a clinical population).