According to recent research from Trinity College Dublin, how a person evaluates their memory may be more closely associated with dementia risk factors than their results on standard cognitive tests. Conducted by the neuroscientists at Trinity’s School of Psychology, the study collected data from 3,327 individuals using a smartphone application. It aimed to examine the connection between well-known dementia risk factors, such as hypertension and loneliness, and their impact on cognitive abilities.
For the first time, the research highlighted that individuals’ subjective perceptions of their memory issues were more closely related to modifiable risk factors for dementia than their scores on objective, standardised tests designed to measure cognitive impairments. This finding enhances our comprehension of the early changes in brain health occurring in otherwise healthy adults and underscores the significance of subjective cognitive assessments in this group.
Traditionally, cognitive abilities are evaluated through standardised tests, but this study also incorporated assessments based purely on participants’ self-reported memory issues. Published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Association, the study utilises data from volunteers who engaged with a set of gamified cognitive tests and questionnaires via the smartphone app Neureka. Developed by Trinity’s neuroscientists, this free app aims to deepen our understanding of mental disorders by analysing extensive data from its 26,000 users.
The study’s lead, Anna M Rosická, a PhD candidate at the School of Psychology at Trinity, explained that the connection between dementia and various aspects of our lifestyle, health, and environment is extensively researched to identify modifiable factors to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. The findings suggest that subjective memory impairments are more significantly connected to various risk factors, including depression, low socio-economic status, hearing impairments, loneliness, and smoking history. This indicates a potentially higher value of subjective cognitive assessments in otherwise healthy adults, as individuals might recognise early cognitive impairments before they can be detected through objective measures.
One limitation of the study is that the data was gathered simultaneously rather than assessing changes over a more extended period. Consequently, the researchers recommend a longitudinal analysis to rule out other potential explanations for their findings.
Despite this limitation, the study demonstrates the significant potential of remote, self-administered smartphone assessments in identifying the earliest stages of cognitive decline and factors associated with dementia risk. This approach is particularly advantageous in regions where access to conventional in-person assessments is restricted, such as low—and middle-income countries, as noted by Associate Professor Claire Gillan, who supervised the research. This method broadens the scope of cognitive health assessments and offers a valuable tool in the global fight against dementia.
More information: Anna Marie Rosická et al, Modifiable dementia risk factors associated with objective and subjective cognition, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.13885
Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by Trinity College Dublin
