Subjective Memory Complaints and Their Relationship with the Objective Cognitive Performance of Stroke Patients

Introduction: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are common among patients with stroke, significantly affect long-term disability, and contribute to poor functional outcomes. We explored changes in the subjective memory complaints questionnaire (SMCQ) score of stroke patients, correlations among SMCs, objective cognitive performance (OCP), and functional status. We also explored whether participants could be divided into groups based on the presence or absence of SMCs and OCP impairment, which could be related to rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: A total of 102 stroke patients were recruited from a single rehabilitation center. Their OCP was determined on admission. The Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE), SMCQ, and modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores were obtained at admission and at discharge. These variables were compared and time and group interactions were explored. Results: The SMCQ score did not show consistent patterns of change among individuals. The objective cognitive function and activities of daily living consistently improved after rehabilitation. The proposed cognitive impairment classification after stroke based on SMCs and objective cognitive decline was able to predict improvement attributable to rehabilitation. Conclusion: Changes in SMCQ scores of stroke patients were inconsistent and varied when compared to changes in MMSE and MBI scores, indicating that it is not a reliable metric on its own. SMCs have a clinical relationship with OCP and significant emotional and motivational effects. In clinical practice, it is important to understand and consider SMCs after stroke.