Theories of Memory and Aging: A Look at the Past and a Glimpse of the Future

Abstract The present article reviews theories of memory and aging over the past 50 years. Particularly notable is a progression from early single-mechanism perspectives to complex multifactorial models proposed to account for commonly observed age deficits in memory function. The seminal mechanistic...

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Published in:The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences Psychological sciences and social sciences, 2017-01, Vol.72 (1), p.82-90
Main Authors: Park, Denise C., Festini, Sara B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age differences
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Biomedical Research
Cognitive Aging - psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction - diagnosis
Cognitive Dysfunction - psychology
Cues
Gerontology
Humans
Intervention
Medical imaging
Memory
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Models, Psychological
Multivariate Analysis
Neuroimaging
Neuropsychological Tests - statistics & numerical data
Psychological Theory
Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data
Reaction Time
Special Issue: Cognitive Aging: Special
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract The present article reviews theories of memory and aging over the past 50 years. Particularly notable is a progression from early single-mechanism perspectives to complex multifactorial models proposed to account for commonly observed age deficits in memory function. The seminal mechanistic theories of processing speed, limited resources, and inhibitory deficits are discussed and viewed as especially important theories for understanding age-related memory decline. Additionally, advances in multivariate techniques including structural equation modeling provided new tools that led to the development of more complex multifactorial theories than existed earlier. The important role of neuroimaging is considered, along with the current prevalence of intervention studies. We close with predictions about new directions that future research on memory and aging will take.
ISSN:1079-5014
1758-5368
DOI:10.1093/geronb/gbw066