Differential Contributions of Executive and Episodic Memory Functions to Problem Solving in Younger and Older Adults

Abstract

The relationship of higher order problem solving to basic neuropsychological processes likely depends on the type of problems to be solved. Well-defined problems (e.g., completing a series of errands) may rely primarily on executive functions. Conversely, ill-defined problems (e.g., navigating socially awkward situations) may, in addition, rely on medial temporal lobe (MTL) mediated episodic memory processes. Healthy young (N = 18; M = 19; SD = 1.3) and old (N = 18; M = 73; SD = 5.0) adults completed a battery of neuropsychological tests of executive and episodic memory function, and experimental tests of problem solving. Correlation analyses and age group comparisons demonstrated differential contributions of executive and autobiographical episodic memory function to well-defined and ill-defined problem solving and evidence for an episodic simulation mechanism underlying ill-defined problem solving efficacy. Findings are consistent with the emerging idea that MTL-mediated episodic simulation processes support the effective solution of ill-defined problems, over and above the contribution of frontally mediated executive functions. Implications for the development of intervention strategies that target preservation of functional independence in older adults are discussed.

Ill-defined problem solving in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Linking episodic memory to effective solution generation

“…These findings complement our recent work that implicates MTLmediated episodic memory processes, those primarily affected in aMCI, in ill-defined problem solving, suggesting that the same reconstructive and flexible episodic memory processes that allow for the reconstruction of past events can be applied to ill-defined problem solving scenarios by aiding in the construction of hypothetical solutions (Sheldon et al, 2011;Vandermorris et al, 2013).…”

“…The amount of episodic detail in their simulations, and in their autobiographical narratives, was correlated with the effectiveness of their solutions on the MEPS. We replicated and extended these findings in an older adult population by showing that the contribution of these episodic memory processes to effective problem solving was specific to ill-defined tasks (Vandermorris et al, 2013).…”

“…In earlier studies we tested the hypothesis that MTL-mediated episodic memory processes that support past event reconstruction and future event simulation also serve as a mechanism for solving ill-defined problems (Sheldon et al, 2011;Vandermorris et al, 2013). Ill-defined problems are those that do not have a set routine or algorithm to reach a guaranteed solution.…”

“…aMCI as a precursor to Alzheimer's disease (AD), is characterized, in early stages, by a selective impairment in episodic memory, indicated by declines on tests of anterograde memory. The extent of this impairment is typically between declines in memory associated with aging and those associated with AD (Anderson et al, 2012;Martinelli et al, 2013;Vandermorris et al, 2013). As with AD, the nature of aMCI memory loss has been attributed to neuroanatomical and physiological changes in the MTL (Masdeu et al, 2005).…”

Cross-syndrome comparison of real-world executive functioning and problem solving using a new problem-solving questionnaire

“…With the exception of the Inhibit scale, the lack of significant association between EFs and novel problem solving in TD children is consistent with the findings of a recent study of tool innovation (Beck, Williams, Cutting, Apperly, & Chappell, 2016). Interestingly, a role for episodic memory in ill-defined problem solving has been suggested (Sheldon et al, 2011;Vandermorris et al, 2013) which may prove to be a fruitful avenue for future research in this area.…”