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Prospective Memory Is a Key Predictor of Functional Independence in Older Adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2018

Alexandra Hering*
Affiliation:
Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
Matthias Kliegel
Affiliation:
Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland Swiss National Center of Competences in Research LIVES–Overcoming vulnerability: life course perspectives, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland
Peter G. Rendell
Affiliation:
Cognition and Emotion Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
Fergus I.M. Craik
Affiliation:
Rotman Research Institute of Baycrest, Toronto, Canada
Nathan S. Rose
Affiliation:
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Alexandra Hering, Faculté de Psychologie et Sciences de l’Education, Université de Genève, 28, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve, Geneva, CH-1205. E-mail: alexandra.hering@unige.ch

Abstract

Objectives: Prospective memory (PM), the ability to execute delayed intentions, has received increasing attention in neuropsychology and gerontology. Most of this research is motivated by the claim that PM is critical for maintaining functional independence; yet, there is a dearth of empirical evidence to back up the claims. Thus, the present study tested whether PM predicts functional independence in older adults using validated behavioral performance measures for both PM and functional independence. Methods: Fifty-eight healthy older adults performed a computerized PM paradigm, the Virtual Week task, as well as a timed version of an instrumental activities of daily living (TIADL) task. Furthermore, we assessed vocabulary, processing speed, and self-reported prospective remembering. Results: TIADL scores correlated significantly with performance in the Virtual Week task, vocabulary, and processing speed. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that vocabulary and Virtual Week performance were significant predictors for TIADL. However, self-reported PM scores did not predict everyday functioning. Conclusions: The findings indicate that PM is an important cognitive ability for successful and independent everyday life beyond vocabulary. Moreover, the results show a substantial incremental contribution of intact PM performance for the prediction of everyday functioning by using objective PM measures. (JINS, 2018, 24, 640–645)

Type
Brief Communication
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2018 

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