Detection of behavioral, depressive, and anxious symptoms in patients with Subjective Cognitive Complaints

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSubjective Cognitive Complaints (SCC) are frequent in Neurology. They may be defined as the self‐perception of cognitive decline without objective deficits in Neuropsychological tests. SCC have been associated with poorer cognitive performance, a higher risk of developing Cognitive Impairment or Dementia as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety.Depression and anxiety are frequent mental health issues, with a remarkable impact on cognitive function. An increase in prevalence in both of them is estimated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Also, behavioral symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life. Nevertheless, they may remain unnoticed if not investigated or without a family report.The objective is to report the frequency of depression, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms in a population with SCC.MethodWe selected patients with cognitive complaints and normal neuropsychological test performance. Demographic data, and behavioral, depressive, and anxious symptoms were collected. Anxious symptoms were assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory‐(BAI) and depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory‐(BDI‐II) and the Geriatric Depression Scale‐(GDS‐15). Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Inventory‐(NPI) was also investigated when an accompanist was available.Result166 patients were included. The mean age was 63.13 (SD 12.2) years, Mean Education was 11.25 (SD 3.62) years. In this sample the frequency of anxiety symptoms was 44.57% (n = 74) according to BAI; 48,64% (n = 36) were mild, 32.43% (n = 24) moderate and 18.93% (n = 14) severe. BDI‐II and GDS‐15 detected depression symptoms in 33.13% (n = 55) of the patients; 58.18% (n = 32) were mild, 32.72% (n = 18) moderate and 9.09% (n = 5) severe. In 59 cases we administer the NPI; 76.27% (n = 45) reported a symptom.ConclusionOur study showed a significant frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms as well as behavioral symptoms in patients with SCC. This reminds us how valuable it is to assess behavioral, depressive, and anxious symptoms in standard Neuropsychological Testing to take a comprehensive approach to the patients. Future studies will help to determine dementia‐developing predictors.