Subjective cognitive decline, and its cognitive and emotional correlates in Peruvian older adults

Soto-Añari M.; Rivera-Fernández C.; Montemurro M.; Ceric F.; Tejada M.D.C.; Muñoz-Najar A.; Carbajal M.G.; Guzmán-Vélez E.; Quiroz Y.T. · Dementia e Neuropsychologia (2026) · DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2025-0419

Resumen

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a known risk factor for dementia, yet its association with objective cognition and emotional state remains underexplored in Latin American populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between SCD, objective cognition, and emotional state in older adults from Arequipa, Peru. Methods: This study investigated these relationships in 43 older adults from Arequipa, Peru, classified as having SCD (n=17), mild cognitive impairment (n=12), or normal cognition (n=14). Participants underwent assessments of global cognition, subjective decline (via the E-Cog), objective cognitive domains, and emotional state. Results: Findings showed a significant association between SCD and emotional disorders, with emotional symptoms correlating with total E-Cog scores and specific domains such as memory, language, planning, and organization. Additionally, general cognition, long-term memory, and cognitive flexibility were associated with deficits in visuospatial processing, attention, and executive function. Conclusions: These results underscore the need to account for emotional factors when evaluating the relationship between SCD and objective cognitive performance.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Católica San Pablo