Prospective memory complaints can be predicted by prospective memory performance in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore if prospective memory complaints reflect actual prospective memory performance in older adults.


METHODS
Three hundred and sixty-four older adults aged 65-80 years were investigated with regard to prospective memory complaints, prospective memory test performance, self-reported depressive symptoms, and self-reported memory capacity.


RESULTS
Separate analyses revealed that about half of the participants showed a significant relation between subjective and objective prospective memory.


CONCLUSIONS
Older adults appear to be heterogeneous with regard to the association between objective and subjective prospective memory. For older adults with relatively few depressive symptoms and memory concerns, prospective memory complaints may serve as a valid criterion in the assessment of prospective memory ability.
Zeintl
Melanie
M
Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Kliegel
Matthias
M
Rast
Philippe
P
Zimprich
Daniel
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis