Memory Change in the Aged

Although there is a tremendous amount of research comparing the memory performance of younger and older adults, very few studies have followed the same older adults over time. This volume, based on the Victoria Longitudinal Study, takes a detailed approach to some of the more pressing questions regarding aging and memory. Only through the use of such longitudinal methods can one directly observe changes in memory functioning with aging. This monograph reports recent longitudinal data following the same individuals over a six-year period. The authors consider a variety of theoretical and methodological issues. This book is a valuable addition to its field and will prove helpful to researchers and professionals in the fields of gerontology, cognitive science, and developmental psychology.

This book is directed at scholars and advanced students interested in understanding memory and cognitive functioning in later life. It reviews theoretical and methodological issues related to this topic, and presents analyses of data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study. The study is designed to observe changes in memory functioning over time. Particular attention is devoted to the question of why some older adults show more change in memory performance than others.