Chapter 13
Subjective Memory Complaints
and Objective Memory Performance
Miriam T. Weber and Pauline M. Maki
Introduction
Vignette 1: Memory Complaints in a Middle-Aged Woman
A 48-year-oldwomanisexperiencingbothersomememoryproblems.Overthepastfew
years, she has found it increasingly difficult to keep track of things without the use of
notes or lists. She has not missed any important events, but attributes this to an over-
reliance on the calendar app in her smartphone, which she describes as“essential to
keeping my life on track.”Occasionally, she misplaces her purse or keys, has difficulty
coming up with words when engaged in conversation, and cannot recall the details of a
book she is reading. She works full time and has not received any criticism for her work
performance. However, she notices that it takes her longer to learn new procedures and
that it is harder to keep track of multiple tasks. She has been under a great deal of stress
recently, but does not feel depressed or unhappy. Her family and friends have not
noticed a problem, but she is wondering whether she is“losing her mind.”
Vignette 2: Memory Complaints in an Elderly Man
A 65-year-old man makes an appointment with a clinical neuropsychologist
because of concerns about memory problems. He is accompanied by his wife, who
M.T. Weber (&)
Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
e-mail: [email protected]
P.M. Maki
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago,
Chicago, IL, USA
e-mail: [email protected]
©Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016
L.L. Sievert and D.E. Brown (eds.),Biological Measures of Human
Experience across the Lifespan: Making Visible the Invisible,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-44103-0_13
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