Subjective memory complaints, vascular risk factors and psychological distress in the middle-aged: a cross-sectional study
2011

Memory Complaints and Vascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults

Sample size: 45532 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Matt B Paradise, Nick S Glozier, Sharon L Naismith, Tracey A Davenport, Ian B Hickie

Primary Institution: Brain & Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Vascular risk factors are associated with subjective memory complaints, independent of psychological distress.

Conclusion

Psychological distress is strongly associated with subjective memory complaints, while vascular risk factors show only weak associations.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12% of respondents reported subjective memory complaints.
  • Psychological distress was found to be strongly associated with memory complaints.
  • Vascular risk factors showed only weak associations with memory complaints.

Takeaway

Many middle-aged people feel their memory isn't good, and this feeling is often linked to stress rather than health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Methodology

A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the 45 and Up Study, involving 45,532 participants aged 45 to 64 years.

Potential Biases

Self-reporting may lead to underestimating the association between vascular risk factors and memory complaints.

Limitations

The study cannot determine causality and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 64 years, with a mix of genders and education levels.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 5.41 - 9.07

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-11-108

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication