TitleSubjective Cognitive Impairment and Affective Symptoms: A Systematic Review.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsHill, NL, Mogle, J, Wion, R, Munoz, E, DePasquale, N, Yevchak, AM, Parisi, JM
JournalGerontologist
Volume56
Issue6
Paginatione109-e127
Date Published2016 Dec
ISSN1758-5341
KeywordsAffective Symptoms, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anxiety, Cognitive Dysfunction, Depression, Diagnostic Self Evaluation, Humans, Independent Living
Abstract

<p><b>PURPOSE OF STUDY: </b>Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) has been argued to reflect affective symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) rather than actual cognitive issues. Although a number of studies exist that look at the associations between SCI and affective symptoms, no review is available to aggregate this disparate literature. We addressed this gap by conducting a systematic review to better understand the relationships among SCI and affective symptoms among older adults in both community and clinical settings.</p><p><b>DESIGN AND METHODS: </b>We reviewed available literature per the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Weight of evidence (WoE) ratings and narrative synthesis were completed for 58 articles.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>A majority of studies focused on community-based samples (n = 40). Approximately half (53%) of the articles reviewed met high WoE criteria for the current review. Cross-sectional findings consistently identified a positive relationship among SCI and affective symptoms. Findings from available longitudinal studies (n = 9) were mixed but suggested a possible reciprocal relationship among SCI and depression. The relationship between SCI and anxiety appeared to be driven by fears over loss of function. Following consultation with health professionals, the association between SCI and anxiety was diminished or eliminated.</p><p><b>IMPLICATIONS: </b>Although SCI is consistently related to affective symptoms in older adults cross-sectionally, more longitudinal work is needed to understand their temporal relationship. Improved measurement of SCI would support a deeper understanding of the impact of SCI on psychological well-being.</p>

DOI10.1093/geront/gnw091
Alternate JournalGerontologist
PubMed ID27342440
PubMed Central IDPMC5181393
Grant ListF31 AG050385 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States