Compensating for memory losses throughout aging: Validation and normalization of the memory compensation questionnaire (MCQ) for non-clinical French populations

Abstract

The MCQ is a seven-factor scale that measures individual differences in the tendency to select particular strategies and to overcome perceived or real memory losses. Our aim was to establish a French version of the MCQ and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a lifespan perspective. We first tested the underlying factor structure of the MCQ in a large sample of 749 adults from aged from 18 to 92 years. Results showed that the factor structure of the French version corresponded well with the one obtained in English-, Dutch- and Spanish-speaking samples, supporting the cross-national robustness of the MCQ. We confirmed a seven-factor order model that supports the construct validity of the questionnaire. The reliabilities of the scales were good (α > .70) to acceptable (α = .66 and .62). Criterion validity was verified by means of significant correlations between health composites and MCQ subscales. Gender and Age affected most of the MCQ subscales but not the level of education. The MCQ revealed to be a heuristic tool for assessing daily compensatory behaviors that are developed in order to achieve successful aging. Thus, regression-based normative data and a user-friendly computer program were provided to facilitate scoring and norming by clinicians and researchers dealing with aging.

Demographic Characteristics, Motivation and Perception of Change as Determinants of Memory Compensation Self-Reports After Acquired Brain Injury

“… de Frias et al (2003) demonstrated that anxiety was robustly related to an increase in self-reported use of compensatory strategies. Martin et al (2015) confirmed that perceive stress was linked to all compensation scales except the External one during aging. Garrett et al (2010) indicated that high-stress older compensated whether or not they perceived memory errors.…”

“…Several studies have investigated the extent to which demographic characteristics or personality dispositions predict self-reported use of those strategies during aging. Dixon et al (2001) explored the impact of age and gender differences in the experience of memory compensation (see also van der Elst et al, 2011 ; Martin et al, 2015 ). Older men reported greater use of external and reliance strategies than younger ones, which was not the case for women.…”

“…Altogether, those results suggest that demographic and personality backgrounds influence reported compensation behaviors strategies designed to improve day-to-day functioning. With respect to aging, it is now clear that those variables have direct effects on what people think about their own compensatory behaviors ( de Frias et al, 2003 ; de Frias and Dixon, 2005 ; van der Elst et al, 2011 ; Martin et al, 2015 ; Mazzocco et al, 2015 ). According to de Frias et al (2003) , those memory compensation correlates “may serve as a key to identifying important resources that may prolong functional competence and successful cognitive aging” (p. 14).…”

Compensation Strategies in Older Adults: Association With Cognition and Everyday Function

“…These types of strategies have since been validated among a variety of older adult samples. 15,16 Ultimately, the aim of using compensation strategies is to improve a person's ability to function in their daily life. However, few studies have examined the association between reported compensation use and functional outcomes among older adults with or without cognitive impairment/dementia.…”

Optimizing functional outcome endpoints for stroke recovery studies

“…132 Interestingly, compensatory strategies at the cognitive level are also present and utilized by patients to make up for the lost capacity. 133,134…”