These results suggest that there is shared variance between SMC and negative affect that is observable at the neuroanatomical level. The trait-like dimension of SMC needs to be distinguished from state-related SMC in research and clinical settings.

We showed that the neuroanatomical correlates of current SMC (using cortical mean diffusivity) spatially resembled (i.e., more overlaps) those of concurrent negative affect but not those of objective memory performance.

Despite the behavioral evidence, the neuroanatomical underpinnings of the trait-like dimension of SMC remain unknown. Moreover, it is unclear whether the neuroanatomical correlates of the trait-like dimension overlap with those of negative affect.

Subjective memory concern (SMC) is regarded as a precursor to memory impairment/dementia (i.e., state-like), but it also reflects an individual’s trait-like tendency to worry about memory, which is genetically and more strongly linked to negative affect than to objective memory performance.