We investigated whether aspects of subjective cognitive aging, including perceived age-related gains and losses in cognition and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), predict change in objective cognitive function as measured by verbal reasoning and working memory.

Participants were 3299 cognitively healthy UK residents aged 65 years and over (mean age= 70.89 years; 73.7% women; 98.8% White). We used longitudinal data on perceived age-related gains and losses and SCD assessed in 2019, and cognitive tasks assessed in 2019, 2020, and 2021. We used latent growth curve modelling, latent class growth analysis, and growth mixture modelling.

For verbal reasoning, multiple growth trajectories were not evident. Mean verbal reasoning at baseline was 37.45; this remained stable over time. Higher perceived age-related gains in cognition (mean intercept= -0.23; 95% CI: -0.31; -0.16), higher perceived age-related losses in cognition (mean intercept= -0.37; 95% CI: -0.46; -0.28), and lower SCD (mean intercept= 2.92; 95% CI: 2.58; 3.58) were associated with poorer verbal reasoning at baseline. Class 1 (N=182), mean working memory at baseline was 31.20; this decreased by 2.48 points each year. In Class 2 (N=119), mean working memory at baseline was 23.12; this increased by 3.28 points each year. In Class 3 (N=2998), mean working memory at baseline was 30.11; and it remained stable. Higher perceived age-related gains (Odds Ratio= 1.08; 95%CI: 1.03; 1.14) and higher perceived age-related losses (Odds Ratio= 1.10; 95%CI: 1.04; 1.16) in cognition predicted greater likelihood of being in Class 2 than Class 3.

Although both higher perceived age-related gains and higher perceived age-related losses indicate poorer concurrent cognition, higher perceived age-related gains may be a resource that facilitates future cognitive improvement.