Nikita L Frankenmolen1,2, Luciano Fasotti1,2, Roy P C Kessels1,3, Joukje M Oosterman1. 1. a Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognition , Radboud University , Nijmegen , The Netherlands. 2. b Rehabilitation Centre Klimmendaal , Arnhem , The Netherlands. 3. c Department of Medical Psychology , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Whether older adults use effective memory strategies to compensate for their memory decline partly depends on their executive functioning (EF). However, many studies have overlooked the role of cognitive reserve (CR). This study examines the effects of age, EF, and CR on memory strategy use. METHODS: A total of 83 participants (aged 18-85 years) were included. Strategy use was assessed using three measures: (1) self-reported strategy use in daily life, (2) self-reported and observed strategy use in a simulated daily life situation, and (3) self-reported strategy use during a word-pair task. RESULTS: Results showed that CR was the strongest predictor of strategy use, both in daily life and during memory tasks. Although effects of age and EF were found, most of these effects disappeared when CR was added to the model. Furthermore, a higher CR was related to the use of more complex strategies and to more effective strategies in relation to task performance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of CR seem to enable individuals to use effective strategies. These results highlight the importance of the role of CR in compensating for the aging-related memory decline.
BACKGROUND: Whether older adults use effective memory strategies to compensate for their memory decline partly depends on their executive functioning (EF). However, many studies have overlooked the role of cognitive reserve (CR). This study examines the effects of age, EF, and CR on memory strategy use. METHODS: A total of 83 participants (aged 18-85 years) were included. Strategy use was assessed using three measures: (1) self-reported strategy use in daily life, (2) self-reported and observed strategy use in a simulated daily life situation, and (3) self-reported strategy use during a word-pair task. RESULTS: Results showed that CR was the strongest predictor of strategy use, both in daily life and during memory tasks. Although effects of age and EF were found, most of these effects disappeared when CR was added to the model. Furthermore, a higher CR was related to the use of more complex strategies and to more effective strategies in relation to task performance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of CR seem to enable individuals to use effective strategies. These results highlight the importance of the role of CR in compensating for the aging-related memory decline.
Authors: Graham M L Eglit; Jeremy A Elman; Mathew S Panizzon; Mark Sanderson-Cimino; McKenna E Williams; Anders M Dale; Lisa T Eyler; Christine Fennema-Notestine; Nathan A Gillespie; Daniel E Gustavson; Sean N Hatton; Donald J Hagler; Richard L Hauger; Amy J Jak; Mark W Logue; Linda K McEvoy; Ruth E McKenzie; Michael C Neale; Olivia Puckett; Chandra A Reynolds; Rosemary Toomey; Xin M Tu; Nathan Whitsel; Hong Xian; Michael J Lyons; Carol E Franz; William S Kremen Journal: Neurobiol Aging Date: 2021-10-14 Impact factor: 4.673
Authors: Xianghong Arakaki; Shao-Min Hung; Roger Rochart; Alfred N Fonteh; Michael G Harrington Journal: Neurobiol Aging Date: 2021-12-05 Impact factor: 4.673
Authors: Nikita L Frankenmolen; Eduard J Overdorp; Luciano Fasotti; Jurgen A H R Claassen; Roy P C Kessels; Joukje M Oosterman Journal: J Int Neuropsychol Soc Date: 2018-08-31 Impact factor: 2.892