THE TROUBLE WITH FORGETTING: PROSPECTIVE AND RETROSPECTIVE MEMORY FAILURES AMONG CAREGIVERS
2024

Memory Issues in Caregivers

Sample size: 75 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rachael Turner, Anisha Sharma, Celinda Reese-Melancon

Primary Institution: Oklahoma State University

Hypothesis

Caregivers experience more memory lapses than non-caregivers.

Conclusion

Caregivers do not differ from non-caregivers in the frequency of memory lapses, but those who forget more are more bothered by it and experience more interference in their daily routines.

Supporting Evidence

  • Caregivers did not differ from non-caregivers on frequency of forgetting tasks.
  • Greater forgetting was associated with being more bothered by it.
  • Negative affect and time spent caregiving predicted PM forgetting.

Takeaway

Taking care of someone can make you forget things, but caregivers don't forget more than others; they just feel worse about it.

Methodology

Participants completed self-report questionnaires about memory lapses and their impact on daily life.

Participant Demographics

Caregivers assisting a spouse or parent with a disability or health condition.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p > 0.05; p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2424

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