Everyday Memory Questionnaire [13-Items]: Pilot Study for Portuguese Population

Abstract

Background: Subjective Memory Complaints (SMCs) are ever more frequent and are shown to be important in helping identify the probability of future cognitive impairment or the subsequent development of dementia (Glodzik-Sobanska et al., 2007). Various variables have been shown to promote the appearance of these complaints such as emotional and psychological characteristics. In Portugal, questionnaires to assess SMCs are scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to translate and characterize the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ-13; Royle & Lincoln, 2007) for Portuguese population; this will look to combat the shortage of instruments available for this population. Methods: This study comprised of around 300 participants (young- and older-adults), drawn from several different institutions. The participants were screened using various instruments to measure the variables (e.g., depression and anxiety; Yin et al., 2021) associated with memory complaints (as measured by the EMQ-13). Results: We present an initial psychometric characterization of the EMQ-13 to European Portuguese population, specifically results of internal consistency and reliability. Conclusions: This research provides a European Portuguese version of the EMQ-13 items, a valid instrument to assess subjective memory complaints and a validated tool for health professionals and researchers.