Is subjective memory impairment a prodromal state of dementia?

Subjective memory impairment (SMI) (an be defined by the feeling of memory decline with normal performance on standard neuropsychological tests. In cross-sectional studies in the elderly, SMI has frequently been relate( to depression, physical morbidity and personality traits rather than to actual cognitive performance. The majority of longitudinal studies, however, identified SMI as a predictor for future cognitive decline and dementia. In agreement with the hypothesis of SMI as the first manifestation of dementia, recent neuroimaging studies have identified atrophy in regions of the brain, which are affected in early Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This paper will give an overview on latest research on SMI as a prodromal state of dementia.