AbstractBackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD), a self‐perceived decline in memory among otherwise cognitively healthy older adults, has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is believed that SCD may be a first symptomatic expression of preclinical AD. Identification of SCD precursors may allow for early identification and implementation of intervention to prevent cognitive decline.MethodUsing data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a national study of over 50,000 participants ages 45‐85 at baseline, we sought to identify potential risk and protective factors for SCD. Participants with diagnosed AD at baseline were excluded. Exposures were measured at baseline and SCD was measured three years later, at first follow‐up, with the question: “Do you feel like your memory is becoming worse?”. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate odds of SCD (analytic sample: n=36,885).ResultResults indicated that 56.1% participants reported SCD. Participants with a post‐secondary education had increased odds of SCD compared to those with less than a secondary school graduation (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.33). Hearing problems (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.56) and vision problems (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24) were associated with increased odds of SCD. Alcohol consumption also increased the odds of SCD, with infrequent drinkers (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16), regular drinkers (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22) and frequent drinkers (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.25) more likely to self‐report SCD than never drinkers. Participants who consumed five or more servings of fruits/ vegetables had reduced odds of SCD (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99), when compared to those who consumed <5 servings. Compared to participants who never smoked, former smokers had increased odds of SCD (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.12), whereas current smokers had reduced odds of SCD (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.98). Lastly, individuals with diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders had higher odds of SCD compared to those without (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.50).ConclusionThis study sheds light on prospective correlates of SCD in a large population‐based sample of older Canadians. Many of the factors associated with SCD may be modifiable therefore amenable to early intervention.