Discordance between subjective and objective evaluations of cognitive function in old Japanese patients with heart failure

Objectives Although cognitive impairment is common among patients with chronic heart failure (HF), the accuracy with which caregivers can recognize it is unknown. This study aimed to examine the degree to which subjective and objective evaluations coincide. Methods Cognitive function was evaluated subjectively and objectively in 184 hospitalized patients aged 65 or older (82 ± 7.2 years old and 49% male) with HF, who were divided into three groups: (i) normal; (ii) mild cognitive impairment; and (iii) severe cognitive impairment. Results The intrapatient agreement of the results of subjective and objective evaluations was tested, and weighted κ coefficients showed poor agreement (0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.66, P < 0.001). Conclusion Subjective and objective cognitive function evaluations in older patients with HF are poorly concordant.