Memory In Older Adults Research Articles

Memory for the News: Does Event Transience Matter?

Health providers frequently probe patients' recall of current and/or remote news events to determine the extent of memory loss. Impaired memory for transient events (ie, in the news for a circumscribed time) may provide information regarding the onset of cognitive impairment. To use the Transient News Events Test (TNET) to explore how memory changes over time in both older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) and noncognitively impaired (NCI) older adults. We also investigated the role of episodic and semantic memory on TNET performance. Sixty-seven older adults completed the TNET as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Analyses included t tests to evaluate group differences for TNET score and correlations between TNET and neuropsychological measures, including episodic and semantic memory tests. NCI adults demonstrated better memory for TNET items than adults with CI. The NCI and CI groups did not differ regarding memory for remote events; however, the CI group exhibited worse memory for recent events. There was a significant association between TNET score and the capacity for episodic and semantic memory in the CI group. In the NCI group, TNET score was significantly associated with episodic memory. Findings support the use of transient news events to assess remote memories in older adults. Novel remote memory measures broaden the scope of memory assessment far beyond what is feasible with traditional neuropsychological assessment and may provide insight into the onset of memory changes.

The relationship between depressive symptoms, metamemory, and prospective memory in older adults

ABSTRACT Introduction Depression has been associated with impairments in different cognitive domains in younger adults, including prospective memory (PM; the ability to plan and execute intended actions in the future). However, it is still not well documented nor understood whether depression is also associated with impaired PM in older adults. The current study aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and PM in young-old and old-old adults, and to understand the potential influence of underlying factors, such as age, education, and metamemory representations (one’s belief about their memory abilities). Method Data of 394 older adults from the Vivre-Leben-Vivere study were included in the analyses (Mage = 80.10 years, SD = 6.09; range = 70–98 years). Results Bayesian ANCOVA revealed a 3-way interaction between depressive symptoms, age, and metamemory representations, indicating that the association between depressive symptoms and PM performance depended on age and metamemory representations. In the lower depressive symptoms group, old-old adults with higher metamemory representations performed as well as young-old adults independently of their metamemory representations. However, in the higher depressive symptoms group, old-old adults with higher metamemory representations performed more poorly than young-old adults with higher metamemory representations. Conclusion This study indicates that metamemory representations may buffer the negative effect of age on PM performance only in old-old individuals with low depressive symptoms. Importantly, this result provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying the association between depressive symptoms and PM performance in older adults as well as into potential interventions.

Olfaction and declarative memory in aging: a meta-analysis.

Olfactory and declarative memory performances are associated, as both functions are processed by overlapping medial-temporal and prefrontal structures and decline in older adults. While a decline in olfactory identification may be related to a decline in declarative memory, the relationship between olfactory detection threshold and declarative memory remains unclear. In this meta-analysis, we assessed (i) the relationship between olfactory identification/detection threshold and verbal declarative memory in cognitively normal older adults, and (ii) the effect of age on these relationships. We included articles from PsychNet, PubMed, and Academic Search Complete according to the following criteria: (i) inclusion of cognitively normal older adults; (ii) assessment of episodic or semantic memory; and (iii) assessment of olfactory identification or detection threshold. Seventeen studies and 22 effect sizes were eligible and included in this meta-analysis. Olfactory identification was associated with episodic (small effect size: r = 0.19; k = 22) and semantic memory (small effect size: r = 0.16; k = 23). Similarly, the olfactory detection threshold was associated with both episodic (small to medium effect size: r = 0.25; k = 5) and semantic memory (small effect size: r = 0.17; k = 7). Age was found to moderate the relationship between olfactory detection threshold and memory performance. Both olfactory identification and detection threshold performances are associated with declarative memory in older adults, and age only moderates the relationship between olfactory detection threshold and declarative memory performances.

Anthocyanin intake is associated with improved memory in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Sex-Specific Interactions Between Hearing and Memory in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Findings From the COMPASS-ND Study.

Hearing loss (HL) in older adults is associated with a decline in performance on cognitive tasks and the risk of developing dementia. However, very few studies have investigated sex-related effects on these associations. A previous study of cognitively healthy older adults showed an association between HL and lower cognitive performance in females only. In the present study, we examined the effects of sex and hearing on cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We predicted that females with HL would be more likely to show poorer performance on the cognitive measures compared to females with normal hearing (NH), while cognitive performance in males would not depend on hearing. We further predicted that these auditory-cognitive associations would not depend on test modality, and would thus be observed in females for both auditory and visual tests. Participants were 101 older adults with amnestic MCI (M = 71 years, 45% females) in the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) COMPASS-ND study. Performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (RAVLT), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) was analyzed to investigate sex-related differences and/or hearing-related differences. Participants were categorized as having NH or HL using two different measures: pure-tone hearing screening results (normal based on a pure-tone threshold < 25 dB HL at 2000 Hz in the worse ear) and speech-in-noise speech reception thresholds (SRTs; normal < -10 dB SNR on the Canadian Digit Triplet Test [CDTT]). Males and female groups did not differ in age, years of education, or other relevant covariates. Yet, females with better hearing on either pure-tone or speech-in-noise measures outperformed their worse hearing counterparts on the MoCA total score. Additionally, females with better hearing were more likely to recall several words on the MoCA delayed recall trial relative to those with worse hearing. Females with NH showed significant correlations between CDTT SRTs and both MoCA and RAVLT scores, while no correlations were observed in males. In contrast, males but not females showed an effect of hearing group on BVMT-R test status. There were sex-specific differences in auditory-cognitive associations in individuals with MCI. These associations were mostly observed in females and on auditory tests. Potential mechanisms and implications are discussed.

Posterior white matter hyperintensities are associated with reduced medial temporal lobe subregional integrity and long-term memory in older adults

White matter hyperintensities are a marker of small vessel cerebrovascular disease that are strongly related to cognition in older adults. Similarly, medial temporal lobe atrophy is well-documented in aging and Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with memory decline. Here, we assessed the relationship between lobar white matter hyperintensities, medial temporal lobe subregional volumes, and hippocampal memory in older adults.We collected MRI scans in a sample of 139 older adults without dementia (88 females, mean age (SD) = 76.95 (10.61)). Participants were administered the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Regression analyses tested for associations among medial temporal lobe subregional volumes, regional white matter hyperintensities and memory, while adjusting for age, sex, and education and correcting for multiple comparisons.Increased occipital white matter hyperintensities were related to worse RAVLT delayed recall performance, and to reduced CA1, dentate gyrus, perirhinal cortex (Brodmann area 36), and parahippocampal cortex volumes. These medial temporal lobe subregional volumes were related to delayed recall performance. The association of occipital white matter hyperintensities with delayed recall performance was fully mediated statistically only by perirhinal cortex volume.These results suggest that white matter hyperintensities may be associated with memory decline through their impact on medial temporal lobe atrophy. These findings provide new insights into the role of vascular pathologies in memory loss in older adults and suggest that future studies should further examine the neural mechanisms of these relationships in longitudinal samples.

COGNITIVE AGING AND SUCCESSFUL AGING: THE ROLE OF MEMORY

Abstract The cognitive functioning as a general measure, is a criterion commonly used to define and operationalize successful aging(SA). This study aims to explore the specific contributions of the memory and meta-memory to understanding successful aging (SA).(Project-Conacyt-256589)Population based, random sample included n=656 community-dwelling older adults 60-years and older (mean age=72.8, SD=7.6 years, 58% women). Memory was measured with the Digit span test backward (WAIS-IV). and meta-memory through self-report. Objective SA was operationalized as no important disease, no disability, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and being actively engaged. Subjective SA was an appreciation if they considered themselves as successful agers. Sociodemographic and health data were also asked. Pearson′s correlation test and MANOVAs were performed.In total 11.2% met the criteria for SA, although 76% considered themselves as successful agers. 54.8 has a bad perception of their own memory, while 41.9% have objective decline. Results of the multiple regression analysis emerged on a significant model using the entered method:F=1.13,p&amp;lt;.01, explaining 14.9% of the variance of SA. Specifically, memory and meta-memory explained 19.5% of the variance of objective and 14.4% od subjective SA, 18.4% of the variance in the criterion of life engagement. Knowledge generated by this study reveals the specific role of the memory and metamemory on the SA, both objective and subjective. Besides, sets a scenario to promote successful and healthy aging, through alternatives centered in the improvement of memory and the judgment that is made about the own memory in older adults.

Association of Psychological distress and Physical Health with Subjective and Objective Memory in Older Adults.

ObjectivesTo investigate how indicators of psychological stress and physical health differentially influence subjective and objective memory in older adults. Methods: 404 adults aged ≥55 without cognitive impairment participated in remote assessment of physical health (PHY; multimorbidity, body-mass-index), psychological distress (PDS; perceived stress, anxiety, depression), subjective memory complaints (SM), and task-based objective memory performance (OM). Results: Separately, both PHY and PDS significantly predicted SM (p < 0.01), but only PHY was associated with OM (p = 0.05). Combined models showed that PHY and PDS maintained significant association with SM (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.30), while only PHY was associated with OM (p = .07, R2 = 0.03; for associative OM, p = 0.04). Discussion: SM is associated with participants' psychological profile, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors when assessing SM. The results also reveal that remotely-administered OM tasks are more immune to participants' psychological profile, and support previously-established links between physical health and objective and subjective memory function.

Functional network modularity and efficiency supports episodic memory in older adults with amyloid‐beta pathology

AbstractBackgroundEpisodic memory is one of the first cognitive domains to decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated whether graph metrics of functional networks, specifically modularity and local efficiency, are related to episodic memory and amyloid‐β (Aβ) positivity in cognitively normal older adults.MethodSixty‐five cognitively normal older adults (mean age 72.3 ± 6.2 years; 62% female) underwent high‐resolution resting state fMRI (1.8mm3, partial acquisition) to measure functional connectivity, 18F‐Florbetapir‐PET to measure Aβ pathology, and cognitive assessment. Resting state fMRI data was processed with CONN. ROIs (n=135) from the Brainnetome Atlas contained within rsfMRI coverage were used to generate ROI‐to‐ROI functional connectivity matrices. Graph measures of modularity (Q) and local efficiency were computed with the Brain Connectivity Toolbox using binary graphs at costs ranging from 5%‐50% of network sparsity (5% step size). Aβ status was determined using a &gt;1.11 SUVR threshold of a composite region spanning the association cortex, resulting in 32% of the sample being classified as Aβ+. Episodic memory was measured using the immediate recall measure of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT A5).ResultAβ+ participants had significantly increased modularity compared to Aβ‐ (Fig1A, p&lt;0.05 for costs 25 and 50), but no differences in local efficiency (Fig1B). There was no significant effect of Aβ positivity on RAVLT A5 performance (t(63)=‐0.67, p = 0.51). However, there were significant interactions between Aβ status and RAVLT A5 with both modularity and local efficiency at most cost functions (Fig2). Better RAVLT A5 performance was associated with higher modularity (Fig2A; ex. cost 25: r = 0.54, p=0.01) and higher local efficiency (Fig2B; ex. cost 25: r = 0.63, p=0.002) within Aβ+ participants, but not Aβ‐ participants (ps&gt;0.36).ConclusionOur findings suggest that increases in functional network modularity and local efficiency within Aβ+ cognitively normal older adults may act as a compensatory mechanism to maintain equivalent levels of episodic memory performance.

Emotional valence of self-defining memories in older adults: A longitudinal study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the pleasantness bias and fading affect bias in self-defining memories (SDMs) and to examine the relationship between their emotional valence of SDMs and cognitive function and serotonin transporter polymorphisms (5-HTTLPR) with a prospective longitudinal method. Ninety-two older adults recalled SDMs twice at an interval of one year (T1 and T2). The results showed a pleasantness bias and a fading affect bias in SDMs. The higher the working memory was, the higher the vividness of SDMs and the higher the concordance rate of SDMs between T1 and T2. Meanwhile, cognitive performance had no effect on the emotional valence of SDMs. Additionally, the repeatedly recalled SDMs in the S/S allele carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism changed with a lower negative valence at T2 than at T1. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be a plasticity factor that predicts positive outcomes in positive situations.

Polygenic hazard score modified the relationship between hippocampal subfield atrophy and episodic memory in older adults

Understanding genetic influences on Alzheimer's disease (AD) may improve early identification. Polygenic hazard score (PHS) is associated with the age of AD onset and cognitive decline. It interacts with other risk factors, but the nature of such combined effects remains poorly understood. We examined the effect of genetic risk and hippocampal atrophy pattern on episodic memory in a sample of older adults ranging from cognitively normal to those diagnosed with AD using structural MRI. Participants included 51 memory unimpaired normal control (NC), 69 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 43 AD adults enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Hierarchical linear regression analyses examined the main and interaction effects of hippocampal subfield volumes and PHS, indicating genetic risk for AD, on a validated episodic memory composite score. Diagnosis-stratified models further assessed the role of PHS. Polygenic hazard score moderated the relationship between right fimbria/hippocampus volume ratio and episodic memory, such that patients with high PHS and lower volume ratio had lower episodic memory composite scores [ΔF = 6.730, p = 0.011, ΔR 2 = 0.059]. This effect was also found among individuals with MCI [ΔF = 4.519, p = 0.038, ΔR 2 = 0.050]. In contrast, no interaction effects were present for those NC or AD individuals. A follow-up mediation analysis also indicated that the right fimbria/hippocampus volume ratio might mediate the link between PHS and episodic memory performance in the MCI group, whereas no mediation effects were present for those NC or AD individuals. These findings suggest that the interaction between AD genetic risk and hippocampal subfield volume ratio increases memory impairment among older adults. Also, the results highlighted a potential pathway in which genetic risk affects memory by degrading hippocampal subfield volume ratio in cognitive decline subjects.

Food-based anthocyanin intervention improves memory in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent evidence from clinical trials suggests that food-based anthocyanins may exert protective effects on cognition-related outcomes. This review was conducted to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin intervention on age-related changes in cognition and memory based on the published evidence. The literature was searched through the following databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane library. Subsequently, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. From these, 7 did not provide data required for the analysis. A meta-analysis of 5 studies was conducted. Cognition and memory efficacy was assessed based on the outcomes pooled from the studies. The results showed a statistically significant effect of food-based anthocyanin intervention on memory abilities in healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) older adults (SMD= -0.40; 95% CI: -0.78, -0.01; p0.05) with no heterogeneity (I²=0%). Hence, intake of foods rich in anthocyanins could improve memory abilities in older adults.

Blood pressure and cognition in older adults with multiple sclerosis: preliminary examination.

Comorbid conditions, particularly vascular comorbidity, are common in MS and may hasten the CNS damage and disease manifestations. We undertook a preliminary examination of the association between blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function in samples of older adults with MS and healthy controls. Older adults with MS (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 29) completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery and underwent assessment of BP. The data were analyzed using the Baron and Kenny approach for examining blood pressure as an explanatory variable for group differences in cognition. The MS group, as expected, had significantly lower California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) z-scores from the BICAMS and higher diastolic BP (DBP) than healthy controls. DBP had statistically significant correlations with CVLT-II z-scores in the overall sample (r = - .42) and MS subsample (r = - .51), but not healthy controls(r = - .29); the correlation was not attenuated when controlling for age and disability status in the MS subsample (pr = - .48). Group initially explained 6% of the variance in z-scores from the CVLT-II (β = - 0.24). The inclusion of DBP accounted for an additional 14% of the variance in z-scores from the CVLT-II, and DBP(β = - 0.39), but not group (β = - 0.13), was a significant correlate of CVLT-II z-scores; the results were unchanged when controlling for anxiety and depression scores. Our results provide preliminary, cross-sectional support for future population-based research examining DBP, hypertension, and verbal memory in older adults with MS.

Sensorimotor and Frontoparietal Network Connectivity Are Associated With Subsequent Maintenance of Gait Speed and Episodic Memory in Older Adults.

Slow gait is predictive of functional impairments in older adults, while concomitant slow gait and cognitive complaints are associated with a greater risk for cognitive decline and dementia. However, functional neural correlates for gait speed maintenance are unclear. As the sensorimotor network (SMN) and frontoparietal network (FPN) are integral components of these functions, this study investigated differences in SMN and FPN in older adults with/without gait speed decline over 24 months; and whether these networks were associated with the maintenance of cognitive function. We included 42 community-dwelling older adults aged >70 years from the MOBILIZE Boston Study. Resting-state fMRI was performed at the study baseline. Participant characteristics, gait speed, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) were assessed at baseline and at 24-month follow-up. Decliners were identified as individuals with >0.05 meters/second decline in gait speed from baseline to 24 months. Of the 26 decliners and 16 maintainers, decliners exhibited a significant decline in delayed-recall performance on the HVLT over 24 months. Controlling for baseline age and multiple comparisons, contrary to initial hypothesis, maintainers exhibited lower baseline primary motor and premotor connectivity (p = .01) within the SMN, and greater baseline ventral visual-supramarginal gyrus connectivity within the FPN (p = .02) compared to decliners. Lower primary motor-premotor connectivity was correlated with maintenance of delayed-recall performance on the HVLT (p = .04). These findings demonstrated a potential compensatory mechanism involved in the link between the decline in gait speed and episodic memory, whereby baseline connectivity of the SMN and FPN may underlie subsequent maintenance of gait speed and cognitive function in old age.

Effect of Exergame Training on Working Memory and Executive Function in Older Adults

Background: As the population ages, cognitive impairment and dementia have become one of the greatest health threats in older adults. Prior studies suggest that exergaming could improve cognitive function in older adults. To date, few long-term exergames intervention studies on older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic exist. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergame on cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to examine whether exergame was more effective than aerobic dancing for executive function and working memory. Methods: 55 participants (mean age = 65.4 ± 3.7 years) were randomly assigned to an exergame training (ET) group, an aerobic dancing training (ADT) group, or a control (CON) group. The ET and ADT groups received 36 sessions (three 75-min training sessions per week, exercise intensity = 65 to 75% HRmax) during a 12-week period. The outcome measures for cognitive function included working memory measured by the N-back test, and executive function measured by the Stroop test. Results: The ET group showed a significantly positive effect in working memory, relative to the ADT (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.76, p &lt; 0.01), and CON group (accuracy in 1-back test: ES = 0.87, p = 0.02). Moreover, the performance in the Stroop test showed some improvements in executive function after intervention in the ET and ADT groups (Stroop intervention effect: ES = 0.38; p = 0.25). Conclusions: Exergame had a positive benefit in improving cognitive functions in older adults without cognitive impairment. Long-term exergame training could improve working memory in older adults. Exergame and aerobic dancing can efficiently improve inhibitory control of executive function in older adults. Maintaining an active lifestyle is protective of cognitive health in older adults.

Long-lasting, dissociable improvements in working memory and long-term memory in older adults with repetitive neuromodulation.

The development of technologies to protect or enhance memory in older people is an enduring goal of translational medicine. Here we describe repetitive (4-day) transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) protocols for the selective, sustainable enhancement of auditory-verbal working memory and long-term memory in 65-88-year-old people. Modulation of synchronous low-frequency, but not high-frequency, activity in parietal cortex preferentially improved working memory on day 3 and day 4 and 1 month after intervention, whereas modulation of synchronous high-frequency, but not low-frequency, activity in prefrontal cortex preferentially improved long-term memory on days 2-4 and 1 month after intervention. The rate of memory improvements over 4 days predicted the size of memory benefits 1 month later. Individuals with lower baseline cognitive function experienced larger, more enduring memory improvements. Our findings demonstrate that the plasticity of the aging brain can be selectively and sustainably exploited using repetitive and highly focalized neuromodulation grounded in spatiospectral parameters of memory-specific cortical circuitry.

Effects of creatine supplementation on memory in healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

From an energy perspective, the brain is very metabolically demanding. It is well documented that creatine plays a key role in brain bioenergetics. There is some evidence that creatine supplementation can augment brain creatine stores, which could increase memory. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on memory performance in healthy humans. The literature was searched through the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception until September 2021. Twenty-three eligible RCTs were initially identified. Ten RCTs examining the effect of creatine supplementation compared with placebo on measures of memory in healthy individuals met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, 8 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, creatine supplementation improved measures of memory compared with placebo (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.29, 95%CI, 0.04-0.53; I2 = 66%; P = 0.02). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant improvement in memory in older adults (66-76 years) (SMD = 0.88; 95%CI, 0.22-1.55; I2 = 83%; P = 0.009) compared with their younger counterparts (11-31 years) (SMD = 0.03; 95%CI, -0.14 to 0.20; I2 = 0%; P = 0.72). Creatine dose (≈ 2.2-20 g/d), duration of intervention (5 days to 24 weeks), sex, or geographical origin did not influence the findings. Creatine supplementation enhanced measures of memory performance in healthy individuals, especially in older adults (66-76 years). PROSPERO registration no. 42021281027.

The Effectiveness of Serious Games in Improving Memory Among Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundMemory, one of the main cognitive functions, is known to decline with age. Serious games have been used for improving memory in older adults. The effectiveness of serious games in improving memory has been assessed by many studies. To draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of serious games, the findings of these studies need to be pooled and aggregated.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of serious games in improving memory in older adults with cognitive impairment.MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out. The search sources included 8 databases, the reference lists of the included studies and relevant reviews, and the studies that cited the included studies. In total, 2 reviewers (AA and MH) independently carried out the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence appraisal. Extracted data were synthesized using a narrative approach and a statistical approach (ie, multilevel meta-analysis), as appropriate.ResultsOf the 618 citations retrieved, 18 (2.9%) met the eligibility criteria for this review. Of these 18 studies, 15 (83%) randomized controlled trials were included in 10 multilevel meta-analyses. We found that serious games were more effective than no or passive interventions in improving nonverbal memory (P=.02; standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.46, 95% CI 0.09-0.83) and working memory (P=.04; SMD=0.31, 95% CI 0.01-0.60) but not verbal memory (P=.13; SMD=0.39, 95% CI −0.11 to 0.89). The review also showed that serious games were more effective than conventional exercises in improving verbal memory (P=.003; SMD=0.46, 95% CI 0.16-0.77) but not nonverbal memory (P=.30; SMD=−0.19, 95% CI −0.54 to 0.17) or working memory (P=.99; SMD=0.00, 95% CI −0.45 to 0.45). Serious games were as effective as conventional cognitive activities in improving verbal memory (P=.14; SMD=0.66, 95% CI −0.21 to 1.54), nonverbal memory (P=.94; SMD=−0.01, 95% CI −0.32 to 0.30), and working memory (P=.08; SMD=0.37, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.78) among older adults with cognitive impairment. Finally, the effect of adaptive serious games on working memory was comparable with that of nonadaptive serious games (P=.08; SMD=0.18, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.37).ConclusionsSerious games have the potential to improve verbal, nonverbal, and working memory in older adults with cognitive impairment. However, our findings should be interpreted cautiously given that most meta-analyses were based on a few studies (≤3) and judged to have a low quality of evidence. Therefore, serious games should be offered as a supplement to existing proven and safe interventions rather than as a complete substitute until further, more robust evidence is available. Future studies should investigate the short- and long-term effects of serious games on memory and other cognitive abilities among people of different age groups with or without cognitive impairment.

Multitasking Effects on Perception and Memory in Older Adults.

Performing multiple tasks in parallel is detrimental to performance, a phenomenon generically referred to as dual-task interference (DTi). Several variables can modulate DTi at the individual level, and increasing age is typically described as negatively affecting response costs. In this study, we investigated, in 252 healthy adults aged between 50 and 89 years, how age modulates the detrimental effect of DTi during the encoding of images. We combined a visual memory task and a sustained attention task (i.e., an auditory version of the continuous performance task, ACPT) in three separate blocks. In the first block, participants had to perform a four-alternative forced-choice recognition of previously memorized images without having attended to ACPT sounds during the encoding. In the second block, during memorization, participants had to press a response key when detecting the letter “X” within a stream of letters (Low Load). In the third block, they had to respond only when the letter “X” was preceded by the letter “A” (High Load). The results showed that overall performance linearly decreased with age. In contrast with our predictions, DTi was stable across different ages. Finally, using a cluster-based approach, we found that participants who paid the highest costs when dual-tasking also demonstrated, on a self-administered cognitive screening significantly lower scores than peers. These new types of tests, which ask for concurrent task performance, might become useful for detecting outlier performance that might anticipate or correlate with aging–related cognitive decline.

The Role of Non-Cognitive Factors in Prospective Memory in Older Adults

A key neuro-cognitive function that promotes autonomy and everyday functioning in old age is prospective memory (PM), defined as the capacity to remember to carry out intentions in the future. This study aimed at understanding if non-cognitive factors of metacognition and motivation are related to event-based and time-based laboratory PM, as well as to naturalistic PM in older adults, above and beyond the influences of neuropsychological determinants. We applied regression analyses predicting individual differences in classical PM tasks, in a sample of 99 healthy older participants (aged 64–88 years). Results indicated that metacognition, measured as memory self-efficacy and perceived competence in cognitive tasks, was related to laboratory time-based PM. Consistency of interests, a motivational factor, was associated with naturalistic PM. None of the non-cognitive factors related to event-based PM. Our study underlines the importance of considering non-cognitive characteristics when evaluating PM capacity, a key component of cognitive aging.