What does SMC mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

Subjective Memory Complaints consist of any experiences or feelings that a person may have about their memories such as difficulty paying attention, difficulty finding words, or having trouble remembering recently learned information.

While anyone can experience SMC, it is more common among older adults since age-related changes in brain functioning can often lead to difficulty with certain cognitive tasks, such as memory recall. It is estimated that around one-third of people over the age of 65 report experiencing some form of SMC.

To evaluate subjective memory complaints, an individual will typically undergo a series of tests and assessments in order to gauge their cognitive functioning and identify potential causes for their symptoms. This includes assessments related to executive functioning and measures of short-term and long-term memory recall ability.

Depending on the cause of the SMC, various treatments may be available depending on the underlying condition causing the complaints. These may include medications, lifestyle modifications such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, mental stimulation activities such as puzzles or board games, or even cognitive rehabilitation therapy which focuses on strengthening cognitive abilities and learning new strategies for dealing with day-to-day tasks that require higher levels of cognition.

Certain factors can increase one's risk for developing subjective memory complaints including aging, head trauma or stroke, certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's Disease or dementia, depression or anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, nutritional deficiencies, lack of sleep or inadequate restful sleep patterns, stressor events such as job loss or death in the family, exposure to toxins such as heavy metals or solvents in occupational settings, use of certain medications known have side effects affecting cognition (such antipsychotics), chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus type 2; multiple sclerosis; alcohol abuse; illicit drug use; smoking; hypertension etc..