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Prospective memory and the efficacy of a memory strategy in multiple sclerosis
Katrina S Kardiasmenos1, Deborah M Clawson, Jeffrey A Wilken
1Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA.
Neuropsychology
|November 13, 2008
Summary
Adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) show prospective memory (PM) deficits, impacting daily life. A strategy called implementation intentions improved PM performance in MS patients, especially for complex tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Prospective memory (PM) is crucial for daily functioning, professional, and social life.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can significantly impact cognitive functions, including PM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine prospective memory performance in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To evaluate the efficacy of implementation intentions as a mnemonic strategy for improving PM in MS.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of PM performance between adults with MS and a control group.
- Assessment of both prospective and retrospective components of PM.
- Evaluation of the impact of implementation intentions on PM tasks of varying cognitive demand.
Main Results:
- Adults with MS exhibited impairments in both the prospective and retrospective components of PM compared to controls.
- The deficit in the prospective component of PM was more pronounced for resource-demanding tasks.
- Implementation intentions significantly improved PM performance in the MS group, particularly for resource-demanding tasks.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis impairs prospective memory, affecting the ability to remember future intentions.
- Implementation intentions offer a viable strategy to enhance prospective memory in individuals with MS.
- Findings suggest environmental support for mnemonic strategies may benefit individuals with MS in daily activities.
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