Analysis of 4,290 older adults across cognitive health spectrums reveals that clinician and informant reports of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) demonstrate stronger associations with actual cognitive performance than traditional patient self-reports. Among cognitively normal participants, informant and clinician assessments predicted worse baseline cognition, while patient and clinician reports better predicted cognitive decline over time. This challenges the field's heavy reliance on patient-reported cognitive concerns as the primary screening tool. The finding has significant implications for early dementia detection, as healthcare providers and close contacts may recognize subtle cognitive changes that patients themselves miss or minimize due to anosognosia, denial, or gradual adaptation. However, this preprint study awaits peer review, and results may change following scientific scrutiny. The research suggests a potential paradigm shift toward multi-perspective cognitive screening protocols, though practical implementation challenges remain. Incorporating clinician observations alongside family input could enhance early intervention strategies for age-related cognitive decline, potentially improving outcomes in the critical pre-dementia phase when therapeutic interventions may be most effective.