Abstract
AbstractStructural equation modeling was used to investigate whether age-related episodic and semantic memory impairments are better explained by decline in processing speed or executive functioning (or both), rather than directly in terms of memory components. The models tested were based on an extensive review of the literature on cognitive decline in normal aging, up to very old age. A computerized test battery, measuring episodic memory (free and cued recall; recognition), semantic memory (fluency; naming accuracy and latencies), processing speed and executive functioning, was administered to 234 elderly persons ranging from young-old to very old age (55–96 years). To avoid large variance in response times due to physical instead of cognitive limitations, no motor responses were required from participants. Age-related decline in episodic and semantic memory performance was found to be the consequence of declines in processing speed and executive functioning. Processing speed mainly mediated decline of...
Highlights
Age-related memory decline has been studied extensively for many years
The results suggest that at very old age, the impact of executive dysfunctions on episodic memory performance exceeds the influence of cognitive slowing
Do processing speed and executive functioning differ in their specific impact on episodic versus semantic memory? Hypotheses were tested by fitting various structural equation models that were based on the literature review below
Summary
Age-related memory decline has been studied extensively for many years. Studies have focused on cognitive functioning in very old age (i.e. 75 years and older; see Bäckman, Small, Wahlin, and Larsson (2000) for a review). Episodic and semantic memory performance was investigated within the aging spectrum from young-old age (starting at 55 years) to very old age (up to 96 years old). Specific focus was on the interplay with two other cognitive constructs that are known to show decline in aging: processing speed The central question is whether age-related memory impairments are better explained by decline in processing speed or executive functioning (or both), rather than directly in terms of memory components. Do processing speed and executive functioning differ in their specific impact on episodic versus semantic memory? Do processing speed and executive functioning differ in their specific impact on episodic versus semantic memory? Hypotheses were tested by fitting various structural equation models that were based on the literature review below
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