Interrelationships between depression, exercise and subjective memory complaints

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the interrelationships between habitual engagement in exercise, subjective memory complaints (SMC) and depression symptomology. MethodsA sample (N=192) of young adults (Mage=22 y; college students) completed a survey evaluating their current exercise (Physical Activity Vital Signs questionnaire), SMC (Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire), and depression levels (PHQ-9 questionnaire). ResultsPhysical activity was not associated with prospective (β=0.87, P=0.28) or retrospective (β=0.07, P=0.92) SMC. However, those with higher depression symptomology had worse prospective (β=−0.27, P<0.001) and retrospective (β=−0.25, P<0.001) SMC. Lastly, those meeting physical activity guidelines (vs. not) had lower depression symptomology (β=−1.91, P=0.02). ConclusionThis study provides suggestive evidence that, among young adults, higher levels of depression symptomology are associated with worse SMC. Further, habitual engagement in exercise was not directly associated with SMC, but may indirectly relate to SMC via its relationship with depression.