Everyday experiences of memory problems and control: the adaptive role of selective optimization with compensation in the context of memory decline

Abstract

The present study examined the role of long-term working memory decline in the relationship between everyday experiences of memory problems and perceived control, and we also considered whether the use of accommodative strategies [selective optimization with compensation (SOC)] would be adaptive. The study included Boston-area participants (n=103) from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS) who completed two working memory assessments over ten years and weekly diaries following Time 2. In adjusted multi-level analyses, greater memory decline and lower general perceived control were associated with more everyday memory problems. Low perceived control reported in a weekly diary was associated with more everyday memory problems among those with greater memory decline and low SOC strategy use (Est.=−0.28, SE=0.13, p=.036). These results suggest that the use of SOC strategies in the context of declining memory may help to buffer the negative effects of low perceived control on everyday memory.

Examining Supportive Evidence for Psychosocial Theories of Aging within the Oral History Narratives of Centenarians

“…This theory has been used as a framework to help understand successful aging in older adults in a number of different ways, including adapting to disability [46] and memory decline [47]. A criticism of the theory is that it is a bit reactive rather than proactive.…”

Predictors of Long-Term Change in Adult Cognitive Performance: Systematic Review and Data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

“…In studies with similarly unequal gender distribution (e.g. Agrigoroaei and Lachman, 2011;Colsher and Wallace, 1991;Giambra et al, 1995;Hahn and Lachman, 2015), the association between gender differences and course of cognitive development have been similarly observed.…”

“…More specifically, higher education (Hultsch & Dixon, 1984), being married and being employed associated with good cognitive functions (West, Crook, & Barron, 1992); clinical conditions such as pain and hypertension (Piccini, Muniz, Sparks, & Bontempo, 2011) and mid-life obesity (Cournot et al, 2006), and depression especially in older adults (Jorm, 1986) have been associated with poorer cognitive ability in later life (Kivipelto et al, 2001). Some longitudinal studies show faster age-related cognitive decline in those with poor education (Agrigoroaei and Lachman, 2011;Colsher and Wallace, 1991;Hahn and Lachman, 2015;Matthews et al, 2004;Nguyen et al, 2002;Osler et al, 2013;Richards et al, 2004;Schaie, 1994). Also poor self-ratings of health and physical activity predicted greater cognitive deterioration (Carmelli et al, 1997) and number of adaptive psychosocial and behavioral factors have been found to be positively associated with change in reasoning abilities (Agrigoroaei and Lachman, 2011).…”

“…Also, many studies have demonstrated evidences of age-and education-related gradual decline of cognitive performance in the fifth decade and beyond (e.g. Colsher & Wallace, 1991;Hahn & Lachman, 2015;Richards et al, 2014;Schaie, 1994;Tomaszewski Farias et al, 2011;Zelinski & Burnight, 1997).…”

Changes in verbal learning and memory in schizophrenia and non-psychotic controls in midlife: A nine-year follow-up in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort study 1966

“…In a study by Zelinski and Burnight (1997), the authors concluded in their 16-year longitudinal general population study, that six years interval of follow-up seems to be the minimal retest interval to assure that longitudinal decline in memory can be reliably assessed. In earlier studies, among the general population, memory decline from the age of 53 onwards has been observed in seven studies with six years or longer follow-up (Colsher and Schaie, 1994;McDonald-Miszczak et al, 1995;Zelinski and Burnight, 1997;Richards et al, 2004;Tomaszewski Farias et al, 2011;Hahn and Lachman, 2015). Despite this trend, there is still a gap in evaluation of the longitudinal course of verbal learning and memory in early midlife among non-psychotic adults.…”