How do we compensate for memory loss?

Remembering to perform a future action is a critical part of daily life. 

Psychologists refer to this as our “prospective memory,” and some examples include remembering to pay bills on time, returning library books when they’re due, or getting to doctor’s appointments.

Brooke Beech is a Washington State University doctoral student specializing in clinical neuropsychology. She works with older adults to examine how aging affects thinking and everyday behavior. 

“I have a particular interest in factors that relate to everyday memory,” Beech says.

During normal aging, most people will experience a mild, gradual decline in their prospective memory. But there are tools available to help compensate for memory loss. They can be as simple as leaving a pill box on the counter as a memory aide for taking medication or setting a phone alarm as a reminder to complete a task, Beech says.

Her recent research compared the effectiveness of paper memory aides—such as written notes on a calendar—versus technology-driven memory aides. In healthy older adults, both methods yielded similar results.

“At the end of the day, having memory strategies that you like, are comfortable with, and that you’ll use consistently is really what matters,” Beech says.

Learn more

WSU Neuropsychology and Aging Lab

WSU Department of Psychology

“Healthy lifestyles protect brains...and lower dementia risk” (Fall 2024 Washington State Magazine)

CogSMART

TrialMatch (Alzheimer’s Association)

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