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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
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Metamemory and executive function mediate the age-related decline in memory
1Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|January 15, 2024
Summary
Aging impacts metamemory accuracy and confidence. While executive function (EF) decline drives memory loss, increased learning confidence may offer compensation in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychology
Background:
- Aging significantly affects episodic memory, but its impact on metamemory remains less understood.
- Executive functions (EF) are known mediators of age-related memory decline, yet the specific role of metamemory beyond EF is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on metamemory.
- To clarify the role of metamemory in age-related memory decline, independent of executive function.
Main Methods:
- 104 adults (18-79 years) completed executive function tasks and a face-scene paired-associate learning task.
- Metamemory was assessed through judgments of learning, feeling-of-knowing, and confidence judgments.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited poorer metamemory accuracy and higher confidence, even after controlling for EF and memory performance.
- Mediation analysis revealed that poor EF explained memory decline, while increased learning confidence partially compensated for this decline.
Conclusions:
- Aging is linked to general metamemory monitoring changes, specifically poorer inference from cues.
- Both confidence of learning and EF ability influence memory preservation and decline during aging.
- Boosting encoding confidence and enhancing EF skills may serve as complementary interventions for older adults' memory.
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