Hygeia Public Health 2016, 51(2): 141-145pl

Complaints about one´s own cognitive competences: manifestations, determinants and meaning

Ewa M. Szepietowska

Zakład Psychologii Klinicznej i Neuropsychologii UMCS w Lublinie

Summary
Complaints about one´s own cognitive functioning are common. They occur in patients with clinical groups but also in those initially diagnosed as cognitively unimpaired. Many factors determine the severity and type of complaints, such as age, personality traits, mood. The relationships between complaints and the results of cognitive tests are inconclusive, as are the relationships between the opinions of relatives/carers about the cognitive capabilities of the patient and their own beliefs about themselves. The current data indicate however that complaints may be an important predictive for the development of MCI and dementia.

Key words:  complaints, subjective cognitive dysfunctions, MCI, dementia, prediction