Occupational performance issues in older adults with subjective cognitive decline

Purpose To describe and categorize difficulties in daily activities of older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) compared to individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Deductive quantitative content analysis was used to classify reported issues in the performance of meaningful daily activities, in older adults with SCD (n = 67; age= 70 +/- 6.3) or MCI (n = 42; age= 72 +/- 6.6). The occupational performance issues were identified using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, a semi-structured interview, and categorised using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results Both groups identified issues in all nine ICF "Activities and Participation" domains, with no significant group effects on seven of them. The most frequently affected "Activities and Participation" domains in both groups were "Self-care" (e.g. exercise and diet); "Community, social and civic life" (e.g. social-leisure activities); and "General tasks and demands" (e.g. time management). Over 90% of the issues in both groups were described in the context of difficulties in "Mental functions" (e.g. memory and higher-level cognitive functions). Conclusions Older adults with SCD, although independent, identified a variety of daily activities that they are not performing satisfactorily, remarkably similar in nature to the occupational performance issues described by older adults with MCI.