The Association Between Subjective Mental Impairment and Objective Cognitive Performance in Non-Demented, Very Mild and Mild Demented Individuals

Abstract

Objectives Explore associations between subjective mental impairment, objective cognitive performance, and subsequent decline in older individuals with different cognitive statuses in Taiwan. Methods Use self-reported questionnaire and cognitive abilities screening instrument to assess subjective and objective cognitive function. Categorize participants as reporters or non-reporters based on subjective reports. Conduct t-tests and regression analysis. Results 206 participants were assessed: 99 cognitively intact (CI), 44 very mild dementia, and 63 mild dementia. In the CI group, reporters in memory, orientation, daily life, community affairs, and judgement domains performed worse than non-reporters. In very mild dementia group, reporters in memory and personality domains performed better than non-reporters. No association found between subjective reports and 1-year cognitive decline in dementia groups. Conclusion Association between subjective impairment and objective performance differs in CI and very mild dementia groups. Subjective reports do not predict 1-year cognitive decline in dementia patients. Longer follow-up studies needed.