Age-Related Source Memory Deficits Persist Despite Superior Item Memory

Abstract

Source and item memory for faces of former United States Presidents were assessed in nondemented older adults over 65 years of age (n = 20) and young adults 18 to 25 years of age (n = 20). During the study phase, a male and a female source each presented pictures of faces to the participant one at a time. To assess source memory, the participant was asked to indicate whether a face from the study phase was presented by the male or female. To assess item memory, a study phase face and distractor face were presented and the participant was asked to indicate which was presented previously. Older adults displayed significantly better item memory for the faces of presidents compared to young adults. However, despite showing superior item memory, source memory still was impaired in older adults compared to young adults. The ability of older adults to efficiently integrate source and item information may be compromised to such a large extent that enhanced item memory does not appear to minimize or negate age-related source memory deficits. The findings demonstrate the robust effects of aging on source memory.

Acknowledgments

The research was supported by NIH grant DC006519 to Paul E. Gilbert. Rafael J. Hernandez was supported by NIMH COR grant MH065183. The authors would like to thank Caitlin Shea, Stephanie Farge, Adam Pitts, Stephanie Abel, and Callie Hoebel for their assistance with this study. The authors also would like to thank Dr. Claire Murphy for her helpful suggestions.