Prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and its association with physical health problems among urban community dwelling elderly population in South India

INTRODUCTION: No studies in India have explored subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a hallmark of stage II of preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of SCD in a South Indian, urban, elderly population. METHODS: We screened 403 individuals 60 years of age and older using the Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ) and measured objective cognition with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Physical health parameters were evaluated for all participants. RESULTS: Among the participants, 377 (93.5%) reported subjective memory complaints. Of the 26 individuals without SCD, 15(57.7%) had objective cognitive impairment (MoCA <25). A total of 182 participants (45.2%) were identified with SCD. Higher educational attainment was significantly associated with fewer SCD reports and better cognitive performance (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is highly prevalent among older adults. Screening for SCD can help identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. SCD assessement combined with cost-effective biomarkers that confirms AD will help individuals to be identified for disease-modifying therapies.