Memory for intentions is uniquely associated with instrumental activities of daily living in healthy older adults

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2012 Jan;18(1):134-8. doi: 10.1017/S1355617711001263. Epub 2011 Oct 28.

Abstract

Moderate declines in prospective memory (PM) are common among older adults, but whether such decrements are associated with everyday functioning problems is not well established. To examine this issue, we administered the Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST), Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), and Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ) to 50 healthy older Australian adults as part of a broader neuropsychological battery. In a series of hierarchical regressions controlling for demographics, medical/psychiatric factors, and other neurocognitive functions, the MIST event-based PM score and PRMQ PM scale were significantly associated with the total number of instrumental ADL (IADL) domains in which participants reported needing assistance. Extending prior findings in clinical populations, results indicate that lower PM functioning is uniquely associated with mild, concurrent IADL problems in healthy older adults. Future investigation of the potentially moderating effects of cognitive and behavioral compensatory strategies may be beneficial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Regression Analysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires