The association between cognitive function and mortality pertained to specific but not general measures of cognitive function when health factors were considered

Subjective cognitive functioning as a predictor of all cause mortality in an Israeli national sample of community dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive functioning has been identified as a predictor of all cause mortality in several epidemiological studies. As a result, researchers have suggested the use of short cognitive screens as prognostic indicators in older adults. Little is known, however, about subjective complaints of cognitive functioning as predictors of all cause mortality.

METHODS

A 7-year follow-up of a national sample of 4,921 Israelis over the age of 60. Main predictors were subjective complaints of memory problems, confusion, and recognition problems. Outcome was time to death.

RESULTS

As expected, in the fully adjusted model, age, gender, subjective health, baseline health, and ADL and IADL impairments were significant predictors of all cause mortality. In addition, complaints about difficulties recognizing familiar people also were associated with a greater risk for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective complaints about recognition problems serve as a risk for all cause mortality above and beyond well-known risk factors. Health care professionals can use this information about subjective cognitive functioning in conjunction with other measures in order to identify older adults at risk for an earlier death.