Brain amyloid load, subjective memory complaints, and cognitive trajectories in older individuals at risk for dementia

Background and Purpose This study evaluated associations of brain amyloid with 2‐year objective and subjective cognitive measures in a trial‐ready older general population at risk for dementia. Methods Forty‐eight participants in the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability underwent 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) scans and assessment of cognition (modified Neuropsychological Test Battery [NTB]) and subjective memory complaints (Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire). Results Mean age was 71.4 ± 5.06 years, and 20 participants (42%) had positive baseline PiB‐PET scans. Amyloid positivity was associated with lower NTB executive function at baseline and less favorable 2‐year NTB total score and memory trajectories, but not with other objective or subjective cognitive measures. Overall, there was little cognitive decline during 2 years. Conclusions Amyloid accumulation may affect objective but not necessarily subjective cognition from a very early at‐risk stage, although substantial decline likely requires >2 years to occur.