Subjective memory impairment and associated health factors in older adults

Abstract Background Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is predictive for dementia, cognitive decline and mortality. This nationwide population-based study examines the prevalence of SMI among older adults and its associations with demographics and age-related health indicators. Methods Gesundheit 65+ is a representative health survey of people aged 65 years and older in Germany (06/2021-04/2023). A total of 3,235 participants (44.6% women, mean age 78.1 years) provided self-reported information on SMI, defined as memory worsening with associated worries. Weighted prevalences of SMI overall and stratified by demographic and health variables were calculated, and regression analysis was conducted. Results In total, 27.3% reported SMI with no differences according to sex or education level based on the Comparative Analyses of Social Mobility in Industrial Nations classification. SMI was more frequently reported by participants aged 80+, groups with poorer self-rated health, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, depressive symptoms, severe sensory and mobility limitations, falls, and severe limitations in basic and instrumental activities of daily living. In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education, poorer self-rated health (odd ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.18-2.10), multimorbidity (2.11, 1.57-2.84), depressive symptoms (1.59, 1.11-2.28), severe hearing limitations (2.28, 1.67-3.10) and falls (1.72, 1.18-2.50) were independently associated with SMI, whereas all other variables were not. Discussion About a quarter of older people in Germany is experiencing SMI. SMI is associated with a variety of health problems, in particular poorer self-rated health, multimorbidity, depressive symptoms, hearing limitations and falls. In general practice, patients who are worrying about memory decline should be examined and advised on the extent to which they need support or complex health intervention to improve or stabilize their health as much as possible. Key messages • Older adults frequently report and worry about memory worsening, which adds to other health problems. • Providing interventions appears important to prevent further decline of cognition and health.