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[The elderly and memory complaints. A study of self-knowledge about memory, depression and memory abilities]
R W Ponds1, H A Bruning, J Jolles
1vakgroep Neuropsychologie en Psychobiologie, Rijksuniversiteit Limburg.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Elderly individuals with memory complaints experience more distress and anxiety, even when objective memory tests show no differences compared to healthy peers. Negative beliefs about memory capacity significantly impact perceived memory function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Investigating memory complaints in elderly individuals seeking memory training.
- Comparing a memory training group with a matched control group of healthy elderly persons.
- Assessing memory performance, subjective complaints, depression, and meta-memory aspects.
Purpose:
- To compare memory abilities and subjective experiences between elderly individuals with memory complaints and a healthy control group.
- To explore the relationship between objective memory performance, subjective memory complaints, and psychological factors like depression and anxiety.
- To understand the role of meta-memory beliefs in perceived memory decline among older adults.
Summary:
- Elderly individuals seeking memory training reported higher levels of everyday memory complaints, depression, and anxiety compared to controls.
- Despite subjective complaints and perceived decline, objective memory test performance did not significantly differ between groups.
- The memory training group demonstrated greater knowledge of memory processes and more frequent strategy use, suggesting a discrepancy between beliefs and abilities.
Impact:
- Highlights that memory complaints in older adults may stem from negative beliefs and psychological factors rather than solely objective cognitive decline.
- Suggests the importance of addressing individual beliefs and emotional well-being in interventions for elderly individuals with memory concerns.
- Informs clinical practice and future research on memory interventions for aging populations, emphasizing a holistic approach.
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