Self-assessed memory problems in everyday life in relation to assessed cognitive domains in neuropsychological tests: A longitudinal study of adult patients with acquired brain injury

Few long-term studies exist regarding memory problems following acquired brain injury and a minimal amount is known regarding the relationship between self-reported memory difficulties and objective neuropsychological measures. This knowledge gap may affect planning of effective rehabilitation interventions. Self-reported memory problems in everyday life and performance on neuropsychological tests were examined in a longitudinal study. Thirty-nine patients with acquired brain injury were recruited from a rehabilitation unit and assessed at one, two, and ten years post-injury using Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ-20). Associations between subjective and objective measures were examined. At the one-year follow-up, self-reported distress related to memory problems were found to be significantly correlated with visual learning and memory. At the two-year follow-up, self-reported memory problems were significantly correlated with auditory-verbal learning and memory. At the ten-year follow-up, self-reported distress related to memory problems were found to be significantly correlated with auditory-verbal learning and memory. Findings suggest that subjective experiences of memory problems and related distress may be associated with specific cognitive abilities. Auditory-verbal abilities are essential for understanding and processing communication in social contexts and may be associated with distress. Findings highlight the potential of combining subjective and objective assessments of cognitive functioning and planning rehabilitation interventions.