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Although likely not the same as familiarity, the data add to a growing literature suggesting that controlled forms of memory decline with age and in age-related neurological conditions (MCI and AD) whereas more automatic forms of memory (habit) remain intact. This research should improve understanding of memory complaints, preclinical and clinical dementia, and help target processes for rehabilitation.

The aim of this study is to explore cognitive complaint by investigating the influence of memory controlled processes (recollection) and metacognitive beliefs. Several methodological precautions were taken in order to control neuropsychological and psychopathological criteria, like anxiety, depression or objective memory trouble. The "habit paradigm" (Hay & Jacoby, 1999) was used to create a "memory slips" task, and to estimate the contributions of recollection and habit to performance. Besides, participants were asked to complete questionnaires in order to assess cognitive complaint (CDS) and metacognitive beliefs (MCQ). Results showed that neither cognitive complaint nor metacognitive beliefs differed significantly between young and older persons. However, statistical analysis did show cognitive dissociations in function of cognitive complaint. Finally, depressive affects, memory controlled processes and metacognitive beliefs about the controllability of thoughts appeared as good predictors of memory complaint. In spite of our study limitations, we discuss our results in terms of clinical implications.

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