Abstract
Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory. Memory complaints are common among older adults, and may indicate depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between memory complaints and age in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance.MethodsCognitive screening tests as well as memory complaint questionnaires validated for the Brazilian population were used: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), Memory test of 18 pictures, Forward and Backward Digit Span (WAIS-III). Fifty seven regular members of the SESC social club participated (50 women), having a mean age of 71.4 years, and 4 to 8 years of education - 34 from 4 to 7 years and 23 with 8 years of education.ResultsResults revealed no significant association between cognitive complaints and age or cognitive performance. Older participants in this sample did not show worse performance or a higher level of complaints. There was no significant association between age and GDS scores.ConclusionsThe studied sample constitutes a particular group of older adults whose participation in activities may be protecting them from cognitive decline, thus highlighting the impact of lifestyle on cognitive performance during the aging process.
Highlights
Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory
Métodos: Foram aplicados testes de rastreio cognitivo e escalas de queixas validados para a população idosa brasileira: Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS), Questionário de Queixas de Memória (MAC-Q), Escala de freqüência de esquecimentos, Teste de memorização de 18 figuras, Dígitos ordem direta e inversa (WAIS-III)
Who presented signs of the pathologies outlined above were not interviewed according to the exclusion criteria of the study, which were being younger than 55 years of age, presenting signs of depression or cognitive decline, and presenting auditory or visual decline that prevented conducting the interview
Summary
Normal aging can be characterized by a gradual decline in some cognitive functions, such as memory. Memory complaints are common among older adults, and may indicate depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Objectives: To investigate the association between memory complaints and age in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and the relationship between memory complaints and memory performance. Results: Results revealed no significant association between cognitive complaints and age or cognitive performance. Older participants in this sample did not show worse performance or a higher level of complaints. Objetivos: Verificar a relação entre a queixa de memória e a idade no envelhecimento normal e a relação da queixa com o desempenho cognitivo. Resultados: Não houve associação significativa entre queixa de memória, idade e desempenho cognitivo. The extent to which memory complaints are predictive of age-associated cognitive decline and dementia onset has been investigated in the clinical context
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