Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is defined as the self-reported experience on worsening cognitive abilities e.g., worsening memory and thinking, without any difficulties being evident on objective tests of memory and thinking. SCI brings many concerned older adults to their GP, however, it is unclear if SCI is a useful indicator of early changes in memory and thinking that could be related to disorders such as dementia.
We want to investigate the most useful way to ask someone about changes in their everyday memory and thinking, and the best way to identify someone with SCI. We have identified a number of novel questionnaires that could help. We will also take a sample of saliva to test for the presence of the APOE e4 genotype. Everyone inherits two APOE genes, one from each parent, either as APOE e2, e3 or e4. Some research suggests that people who have the APOE e4 genotype are at an increased risk of decline in their memory and thinking later in life. We will investigate if there is a link between the presence of APOE e4 and self-reported experience of changes in everyday memory and thinking.
If you would like to know more about the study, please email the research team at APOEStudy@reading.ac.uk or the project lead: Dr Samrah Ahmed (samrah.ahmed@reading.ac.uk).
Am I eligible?
To take part in this study, you must be:
You are not eligible to take part in this study if you have any significant medical conditions severe enough to interfere with cognitive testing (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, current cancer treatment, Alzheimer’s Disease or related condition).
