NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE COMPLAINTS OF THE OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) are defined as belief of the decline of a cognitive condition compared with an earlier period of functioning. Many studies have shown the relationship between SCCs with objective neuropsychological results as well its dependency on psychological characteristics. Considering the complex nature of SCCs, this study tested the relationship between SCCs reported in the attention domain with the results obtained in neuropsychological attention tasks, as well as with psychological cha racteristics and among complaints reported in various domains of functioning. Sixty participants over 60 years of age took part in the study. Subjects were tested for the intensity of SCCs in everyday func tioning, psychological characteristics (mood; anxiety, state and trait; and personality traits) and various aspects of attention domain (switching, divided, and focus). The SCC intensity reported in various areas of functioning was associated with each other as well as with psychological characteristics (personality traits, anxiety, and mood/depression). There were no significant relations between the SCC intensity reported in the attention domain and the outcomes obtained in neuropsychological attention tasks. Our results showed that the intensity of SCCs may be a result of subjects’ psychological characteristics and that the tendency to report complaints in various spheres of functioning simultaneously may be observed. It seems to be important to consider that SCCs are related to several psychological factors when it is included in a cognitive diagnosis and treated as a direct indicator of a cognitive condition.