Presenter(s):
Ralph N. Martins; Hamid R. Sohrabi; Michael Weinborn; Kevin Taddei; Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Alzheimer’s Research Australia, Australia
Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), previously known as subjective memory decline or memory complaint, has been a focus of research for the past 45 years. Our work, along with that of others, has contributed to understanding its role in identifying individuals at higher risk of dementia and its associated risk factors. There has been considerable debate on whether SCD represents an actual risk for dementia or is more of a psychological condition resulting from depression, anxiety, personality factors, education, sex and so on. Whether SCD is caused by these factors or other factors (e.g., genetics) remains to be determined.
A major shortcoming of previous research has been the lack of an assessment measure for SCD with robust psychometric properties (e.g., reliability, validity) using well-established methods (e.g., item response theory, principal component analysis), and examined on a fully phenotyped cohort of participants with access to their neuropsychological, clinical, genetic, imaging, and blood-based biomarkers data. We have developed and published such a measure, namely the McCusker Subjective Cognitive Impairment Inventory (McSCI), which can be reliably used in research projects or with individuals in clinical practice. Here, we will present novel data on the relationship between McSCI self and informant reports with various dementia outcome measures, highlighting the need for such a measure to significantly improve our understanding of the potential causes of SCD and whether it is an indication of “worried well” or actually being “at risk” of dementia.
Bio(s):
Hamid Sohrabi is Professor of Psychology and Clinical Neuroscience, serving as the Executive Director of the Health Futures Institute and the Director of the Centre for Healthy Ageing at Murdoch University, Western Australia. Renowned for his pioneering work in dementia diagnosis and prevention research, as well as healthy ageing, Professor Sohrabi has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience and clinical psychology.
Professor Sohrabi received his PhD in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Western Australia in 2010. He has an impressive publication record, having authored or co-authored over 170 papers in esteemed peer-reviewed journals such as Lancet Neurology, Molecular Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, JAMA, Annals of Neurology, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Professor Sohrabi has been honoured with several awards, including the Murdoch University Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished and Sustained Achievement Award and the Australasian Neuroscience Society Medallion of Service for his role as the 2024.
