Subjective Memory Impairment in the General Adult Population: Associations With Early‐Life Cognition, Concurrent Objective Memory, Dementia Risk Factors

Key Points

• This research examines the links between subjective memory impairment (SMI), early-life cognition, and dementia risk factors.
• Analyzed associations between subjective memory impairment and concurrent verbal memory.
• Assessed the relationship between SMI and general cognitive ability in adolescence.
• Evaluated the impact of mental health on SMI versus objective memory performance.
• SMI showed a weak link to verbal memory and general cognitive ability during adolescence.
• Mental health factors were strongly associated with SMI, indicating their relevance to memory struggles.
• Objective memory performance did not correlate with SMI, highlighting its distinct nature.