Memory strategy use in older adults with subjective memory complaints

BACKGROUND Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are common among older adults, but it is unclear to what extent adults with SMC spontaneously use memory strategies to compensate for their memory problems. As SMC may be a risk factor for memory decline later, it is important to extend our knowledge about spontaneous compensatory mechanisms in older adults with SMC. METHOD Self-reported strategy use and observed strategy use were assessed in 38 adults with and 38 without SMC. RESULTS Adults with SMC used more strategies in daily life than those without. In the SMC group, memory complaints were positively correlated with strategy use. Only in adults without SMC, a significant correlation was found between observed strategy use and task performance. CONCLUSION Strategy use in older adults with SMC may be compensatory in nature, but did not increase their objective memory performance. Therefore, older adults with SMC might benefit from interventions aimed at optimizing strategy use.