Do informant-reported subjective cognitive complaints predict progression to mild cognitive impairment and dementia better than self-reported complaints in old adults? A meta-analytical study

Background: Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) are considered a risk factor for objective cognitive decline and conversion to dementia. The aim of this study was to determine whether self-reported or informant-reported SCCs best predict progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia.Methods: We reviewed prospective longitudinal studies of Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) older adults with self -reported and informant-reported SCCs at baseline, assessed by questions or questionnaires that considered the transition to MCI and/or dementia. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to obtain pooled estimates and 95% CIs.Results: Both self-reported and informant-reported SCCs are associated with an elevated risk of transition from CU to MCI and/or dementia. The association appears stronger and more robust for informant-reported data [1.38, with a 95% CI of 1.16 -1.64, p < 0.001] than for self-reported data [1.27 (95% CI 1.06 - 1.534, p = 0.011]. Conclusions: Our results suggest that corroborated information from one informant could provide important details for distinguishing between normal aging and clinical states.

Automated summary

This study found that both self-reported and informant-reported subjective cognitive complaints are associated with an increased risk of transitioning from cognitively unimpaired to mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia. The association appears to be stronger and more stable for informant-reported data, providing important information for distinguishing between normal aging and clinical states.