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Updated: May 15, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Apathy and prospective memory in aging
Fabienne Esposito1, Lucien Rochat, Anne-Claude Juillerat Van der Linden
1Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, Geneva, Switzerland ; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra
|January 2, 2013
Summary
Prospective memory (PM) is linked to apathy in older adults, specifically a lack of initiative and interest. These findings offer insights into cognitive aging and potential interventions for apathy.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience of Aging
Background:
- Apathy is prevalent in aging populations, with unclear underlying mechanisms.
- Prospective memory (PM) is crucial for executing delayed intentions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between apathy and prospective memory in the elderly.
- To explore how different dimensions of apathy correlate with PM performance.
Main Methods:
- Fifty older adults completed prospective memory and working memory tasks.
- Apathy Inventory and a negative mood scale were administered to participants' relatives.
- Apathy dimensions assessed: lack of initiative, lack of interest, and emotional blunting.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between PM and apathy dimensions (lack of initiative, lack of interest).
- These associations remained robust after controlling for global cognitive function, working memory, processing speed, and negative mood.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the cognitive underpinnings of apathy in aging, particularly its links to prospective memory.
- Findings suggest potential avenues for psychological interventions targeting apathy in older adults.
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