An absence of evidence linking perceived memory problems to the menopause.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence of subjective or perceived memory difficulties in the general population. This is of particular interest in the field of menopause as self-reported memory difficulties make up a large proportion of complaints by women presenting at specialist menopause clinics. There is also a general assumption that memory problems increase with age.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of perceived memory difficulties in women to establish whether there are variations with menopausal status and age.

DESIGN OF STUDY

Cross-sectional questionnaire study.

SETTING

Sheffield, United Kingdom.

METHOD

Standardised questionnaires assessing subjective memory, mood and menopausal symptoms were sent to a random sample of 400 women, aged 25-64 years, identified from a general practice list. Menopausal status and demographic details were also recorded. Two hundred and two women responded, giving a response rate of 50.5%.

RESULTS

The prevalence of perceived memory difficulties was low, and did not differ on the basis of menopausal status or age. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were the main significant predictors of perceived memory difficulties.

CONCLUSION

Perceived memory difficulties are not specific to particular stages of the life cycle or age, but are experienced to a greater degree by those with high levels of depressive or anxiety symptoms.