Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a risk factor for future cognitive impairment and dementia. It is uncertain whether the neurodegeneration of the cholinergic system is already present in SCD individuals. We aimed to review the current evidence about the association between SCD and biomarkers of degeneration in the cholinergic system.

Method

Original articles were extracted from three databases: Pubmed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus, in January 2023. Two researchers screened the studies independently.

Results

A total of 11 research articles were selected. SCD was mostly based on amnestic cognitive complaints. Cholinergic system biomarkers included neuroimaging markers of basal forebrain volume, functional connectivity, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or biofluid. The evidence showed associations between basal forebrain atrophy, poorer connectivity of the cholinergic system, and SCD

Conclusions

Degenerative changes in the cholinergic system can be present in SCD. Subjective complaints may help when identifying individuals with brain changes that are associated with cognitive impairment. These findings may have important implications in targeting individuals that may benefit from cholinergic-target treatments at very early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.

中文翻译：

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主观认知能力下降个体胆碱能系统退化：系统评价

背景

主观认知能力下降（SCD）是未来认知障碍和痴呆的危险因素。目前还不确定 SCD 个体是否已经存在胆碱能系统神经变性。我们的目的是回顾有关 SCD 与胆碱能系统变性生物标志物之间关联的现有证据。

方法

原始文章于 2023 年 1 月从三个数据库中提取：Pubmed、Web of Sciences 和 Scopus。两名研究人员独立筛选了这些研究。

结果

共有11篇研究论文入选。SCD 主要是基于遗忘性认知症状。胆碱能系统生物标志物包括基础前脑体积、功能连接、经颅磁刺激或生物流体的神经影像标志物。证据显示基底前脑萎缩、胆碱能系统连通性较差与 SCD 之间存在关联

结论

SCD 中可能存在胆碱能系统的退行性变化。主观抱怨可能有助于识别患有与认知障碍相关的大脑变化的个体。这些发现可能对针对神经退行性疾病早期阶段可能受益于胆碱能靶向治疗的个体具有重要意义。