Subjective Cognitive Complaints and Somatic Symptoms in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults - Network Analysis Perspective

Abstract

Objective

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) are often conceptualized as a risk factor for objective cognitive decline predominantly due to neurodegenerative diseases, however, they can be associated also with other psychiatric or somatic conditions. The study on healthy older adults aims to examine complex associations between SCC, cognitive performance, somatic, and psychiatric symptoms, using network analysis.

Method

154 participants older than 65 years (mean age 74.47 SD = 6.76, 58% females) were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, including self-report measures on SCC, somatic symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, and depression. SCC were measured by the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ). Data were analyzed using a network analysis. Gaussian Graphical Modelling was used for network visualization.

Results

MMQ subscale Ability was negatively associated with cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal and fatigue symptoms, whereas Satisfaction subscale was associated with pain. All subscales were associated with the measure of anxiety symptoms. Depression was negatively associated with the Satisfaction and Ability scale, the first association being stronger.

Conclusion

The study provides novel insights by taking into account different aspects of SCC and analyzing mutual relationships of several variables. SCC formulated as memory failures are associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms. Negative emotions towards the memory are associated with depression symptoms. The explanation behind these complex relationships may include pathophysiological mechanisms. Differentiation between different forms of SCC may help to navigate the further diagnostic procedures in clinical practice.