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Memory strategies promote independence during aging. We systematically reviewed literature on correlates and predictors of internal and external memory strategy use for older adults. Of 212 articles identified, 29 met inclusion criteria. Overall, increasing age was associated with decreasing internal but increasing external memory strategy use. Females reported more external memory strategy use, though findings were mixed regarding internal memory strategies. Clinical status appeared to alter the relationship between cognition and internal and external memory strategy use. There were mixed results regarding the relationship between memory strategy use and education, psychological functioning, and health variables. In addition to identifying areas for future research, we provide recommendations to develop primary prevention strategies for intervention and promote successful aging.

Introduction: Certain genes increase the risk of age-related neurological dysfunction and/or disease. For instance, ApoE is a well-known gene carrying risk for Alzheimer’s disease, while COMT has been associated with age-related reductions in motor function. There is growing interest in the interrelationship between age-related changes in cognitive and motor function, and examining gene–gene interactions in this context. In this pilot study we examined the relations of the ApoE and COMT genes and their interaction to both cognitive and motor performance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We leveraged an archived dataset from a prior study on age-related muscle weakness in community-dwelling older adults. Sample size was between 72 and 82 individuals based on missing data. We examined the relationship of ApoE (Ɛ4 presence/absence), rs4680 SNP on the COMT gene (Val/Met, Val/Val, Met/ Met), and sex on (1) overall cognitive functioning and specific cognitive domains known to decline in aging (processing speed, immediate and delayed memory, semantic and phonemic fluency, and executive functioning), and (2) indices of motor function (four square step test, short physical performance battery, grip strength/forearm lean mass, and purdue pegboard test). Results: Homozygous COMT genotypes were associated with worse global cognitive performance, immediate memory, and semantic fluency, but only for older adults with at least one ApoE Ɛ4 allele. There were main effects for COMT for delayed memory and a main effect for both COMT and ApoE for coding and phonemic fluency. Women scored higher than men in overall cognition, immediate and delayed memory, and semantic fluency. There were no main effects or gene interactions for a measure of executive functioning (trial making test part B) or any of the measures of motor function. Discussion: COMT, ApoE, and their interaction influence cognitive performance, but not motor functioning, in community dwelling older adults. Our work supports prior literature concluding that a heterozygous COMT genotype may be beneficial to sustain healthy cognitive functioning with advancing age for those who have a higher ApoE genetic risk status (at least one Ɛ4 allele). Future research should investigate interactions between COMT and ApoE in larger samples with comprehensive assessment of cognition and motor functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety sensitivity (AS), as measured by the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), exhibits three-factor and bifactor structures for younger adults. Less is known about the scale's structure within older adult samples.Methods: We explored the ASI-3's factor structure in a sample of 135 older adults who completed the ASI-3 alongside measures of anxiety, general worry, dementia worry, and depression as part of a larger study. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the factor structure of the ASI-3 in this sample.Results: A bifactor model was identified and factor loadings supported a general factor and specific physical and cognitive subfactors, but not the social concerns subfactor. Whereas the general factor was associated with anxiety, general worry, dementia worry, and depression, each subfactor had differential associations with these mood/anxiety variables. In particular, the cognitive concerns subfactor was strongly associated with depression and dementia worry.Limitations: Generalizability of these findings is limited by a homogenous sample.Conclusions: The observed factor structure of the ASI-3 in our sample aligns with increases in physical and cognitive health concerns during aging. Associations between the cognitive concerns subfactor and dementia worry suggest that this facet of the ASI-3 may be measuring age-related health concerns rather than concerns specific to anxiety symptoms. Future studies should examine whether AS cognitive concerns and dementia worry are overlapping constructs particularly for individuals concerned about their age-related cognitive changes. Age differences in AS and its correlates should be further studied to identify better methods of assessing for AS across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]