Self-Appraised, Informant-Reported, and Objective Memory and Cognitive Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Background/Aim: The current knowledge of how self-appraised memory and cognitive function relates to informant reports and neuropsychological performances in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is limited. Methods: Sixty-nine older community-dwelling subjects with MCI and 86 adults with normal cognition (NC) were evaluated on self-appraised (Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire) and objective performance of memory and cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination, Fuld Object Memory Evaluation, Digit Span tests, Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test). Informant ratings on the subjects’ cognitive and memory functioning (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly) were also obtained. The two groups (MCI, NC) did not significantly differ in mean age (79 ± 5.29 vs. 77 ± 5.33) and mean years of education (2.8 ± 3.03 vs. 3.7 ± 4.18). Results: Self-appraised satisfaction and ability of memory and cognitive functions did not correlate with informant reports and neuropsychological performances, but self-reported strategy use correlated with list recall and everyday memory tests in MCI. Conclusion: Persons with MCI may show signs of diminished awareness towards their subtle impairments of memory and cognitive function, as indicated by informant reports and neuropsychological tests.