Relationship between memory age identity (MAI) and cognition in Korean elders

Relatively few studies have examined the psychological predictors of cognitive functions in the elderly. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MAI and cognition in the non-cognitively impaired (NCI) elderly. Data obtained from 1345 Korean subjects aged 60+ years were analyzed. MAI was defined as the discrepancy between subjective memory age and chronological age. We conducted the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to demonstrate the relationship between MAI and Korean version-Mini Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). There were significant differences in the estimated means of K-MMSE score among the 4 quartile groups of MAI (Q1–Q2 > Q3 > Q4, F = 13.12, p < 0.0001). These results suggested that MAI may be associated with cognitive function in the NCI elderly.