SUBJECTIVE cognitive decline was independently associated with poorer health-related quality of life across multiple domains, according to a cross-sectional analysis of 21,931 adults aged 45 years and older in a nationally representative survey sample conducted in Iran.
Researchers examined data from the 2022 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System survey to assess the relationship between subjective cognitive decline and health-related quality of life.
Of the study population, 3,462 participants reported subjective cognitive decline, representing 12.9% of respondents.
Compared with the general population, individuals reporting subjective cognitive decline were more likely to describe their health as fair or poor.
They also reported higher rates of frequent physical distress, frequent mental distress, and frequent activity limitations. The unhealthy days index above 14 days was also more common among participants with subjective cognitive decline.
After adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors, subjective cognitive decline remained independently associated with several adverse quality of life outcomes.
These findings suggest that subjective cognitive decline affects not only cognitive wellbeing but also broader aspects of physical, mental, and functional health.
Among participants with subjective cognitive decline, several factors were associated with better health-related quality of life.
Physical activity, higher educational attainment, greater emotional support, lower levels of social isolation, alcohol consumption status, and some older age groups were linked to more favourable outcomes.
Conversely, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and depression was associated with poorer quality of life measures.
The researchers concluded that subjective cognitive decline was inversely associated with health-related quality of life, affecting general health, physical health, mental health, and activity participation.
They suggested that recognising subjective cognitive decline may help healthcare professionals identify individuals who could benefit from supportive interventions aimed at improving quality of life.
Reference
Mohammadi I et al. A cross-sectional comparison of health-related quality of life in people with subjective cognitive decline and the general population. Sci Rep. 2026;DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-63950-w
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