A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Neuropsychological testing is key in defining cognitive profiles at early stages of dementia. More importantly, the detection of subtle cognitive changes, such as subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), an understudied phenomenon, is critical for early detec...

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Main Authors: Felipe Webster-Cordero, Lydia Giménez-Llort
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Geriatrics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/10/3/65
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author Felipe Webster-Cordero
Lydia Giménez-Llort
author_facet Felipe Webster-Cordero
Lydia Giménez-Llort
author_sort Felipe Webster-Cordero
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Neuropsychological testing is key in defining cognitive profiles at early stages of dementia. More importantly, the detection of subtle cognitive changes, such as subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), an understudied phenomenon, is critical for early detection and preventive interventions. <b>Methods:</b> This systematic review analyzes the empirical data on the cognitive domains and neuropsychological tests used in studies addressing SCC in the last 15 years (2009–2024). <b>Results:</b> A selection of 15 papers with exploratory, cross-sectional, and prospective scope in this field was obtained from PubMed and Embase databases. They used screening tests (17%) and a broad spectrum of neurocognitive domains. Yet, we identified three main targeted cognitive domains: executive functions (28%), language (17%), and memory (17%). Myriad assessment tools were also applied, but the most commonly used was a set of eight tests: Mini-mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test (A-B), Stroop test, Digit span test (DST), Semantic and Phonological fluency test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Weschler Memory Scale (WMS), and Boston Naming Test (BNT). New approaches involved including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and self/informant reports. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite scarce agreement in the assessment protocols, the identification of early neurocognitive symptoms to objectivate the SCC phenomenon envisions a broad field of research.
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spelling doaj-art-82fce6a901bd48d3bbe51b3cf2aff2802025-08-20T03:24:33ZengMDPI AGGeriatrics2308-34172025-05-011036510.3390/geriatrics10030065A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early DetectionFelipe Webster-Cordero0Lydia Giménez-Llort1Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Barcelona, SpainDepartment of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Barcelona, Spain<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Neuropsychological testing is key in defining cognitive profiles at early stages of dementia. More importantly, the detection of subtle cognitive changes, such as subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), an understudied phenomenon, is critical for early detection and preventive interventions. <b>Methods:</b> This systematic review analyzes the empirical data on the cognitive domains and neuropsychological tests used in studies addressing SCC in the last 15 years (2009–2024). <b>Results:</b> A selection of 15 papers with exploratory, cross-sectional, and prospective scope in this field was obtained from PubMed and Embase databases. They used screening tests (17%) and a broad spectrum of neurocognitive domains. Yet, we identified three main targeted cognitive domains: executive functions (28%), language (17%), and memory (17%). Myriad assessment tools were also applied, but the most commonly used was a set of eight tests: Mini-mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test (A-B), Stroop test, Digit span test (DST), Semantic and Phonological fluency test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Weschler Memory Scale (WMS), and Boston Naming Test (BNT). New approaches involved including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and self/informant reports. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite scarce agreement in the assessment protocols, the identification of early neurocognitive symptoms to objectivate the SCC phenomenon envisions a broad field of research.https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/10/3/65subjective cognitive complaintsdementianeuropsychological assessmentneuropsychological test
spellingShingle Felipe Webster-Cordero
Lydia Giménez-Llort
A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
Geriatrics
subjective cognitive complaints
dementia
neuropsychological assessment
neuropsychological test
title A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
title_full A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
title_fullStr A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
title_full_unstemmed A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
title_short A Systematic Review on Subjective Cognitive Complaints: Main Neurocognitive Domains, Myriad Assessment Tools, and New Approaches for Early Detection
title_sort systematic review on subjective cognitive complaints main neurocognitive domains myriad assessment tools and new approaches for early detection
topic subjective cognitive complaints
dementia
neuropsychological assessment
neuropsychological test
url https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/10/3/65
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