title: The Positivity Effect on the Intensity of Experienced Emotion and Memory Performance in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examined the 'positivity effect' on memory performance in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 109 subjects (28 controls, 32 with MCI, 27 with mild and 32 with moderate dementia), we investigated free recalls (immediate and delayed) and recognition of 12 pictures. Moreover, the emotional valence of the pictures perceived and the emotions evoked in the subjects were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients with mild and moderate dementia recalled fewer pictures than those with MCI or the healthy controls. Across the groups, the positive pictures were better memorized and induced a higher arousal than the negative or neutral ones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate a positivity effect on memory performance and intensity of experience not only in healthy elderly patients but also in those with MCI or mild and moderate dementia. This effect does not refer to the compliance of the patients investigated since they perceived and experienced the pictures in the expected way.
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gorenc-Mahmutaj
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Degen
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wetzel
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Nadja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Urbanowitsch
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Funke
authors.affiliation: Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany ; Institute of Gerontology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schröder
keywords: Arousal; Free recall; Pictures; Recognition; Valence