Memory strategies used by cognitively intact and cognitively impaired older adults.

This study examined the influence of depression and health on the use of memory strategies of cognitively impaired (n = 55) and cognitively intact (n = 169) older adults. The intact group used memory strategies more often than the impaired group and were more likely to use external strategies such as diaries, notes, and lists, instead of internal strategies such as elaboration and rehearsal. The impaired group used the internal strategies such as elaboration and rehearsal. The impaired group used the internal strategy effort more often. There was no difference in perception of memory capacity between groups. Depression had a negative influence on perceptions of capacity and change in both groups.