The Relationship Between Executive Functions and Prospective Memory Across the Life Span
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2018-07-05
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en
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Abstract
In event-based prospective memory (EBPM) an external cue should activate the memory to perform an intended action. EBPM shows a decline in late adulthood, which is suggested to be caused by age-related decline of executive functions. In the present study, the effect of three main executive functions (switching, inhibition and working memory) is tested. Forty-four participants (20-79 year) performed three executive function tests and an EBPM task. The EBPM task consisted of pressing a button when a specific coloured border came into view, during a visual 2-back task. Hierarchical regression analyses show that only switching and age were predictors of EBPM performance. More specific, for proportion correct EBPM responses only switching was a predictor, while both switching and age were predictors for EBPM reaction times. These findings clarify the role of different executive functions in age-related EBPM decline. Findings are further discussed in terms of conceptual, methodological, and clinical implications.
Keywords: Prospective Memory, Aging, Executive Functions
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen