Subjective memory complaints in general practice predicts future dementia: a 4-year follow-up study

Many older patients in general practice have subjective memory complaints (SMC); however, not all share this information with their general practitioner (GP). The association between SMC and future cognitive decline or dementia is not clear, especially in a general practice population. The aim of this study was to determine the risk for receiving a subsequent hospital-based dementia diagnosis on the basis of patients' reports of SMC in a primary care setting.