Age as a predictor of Working Memory Performance

Abstract

Introduction: Working memory is a retention of a small amount of information in an easily accessible way, it is essential in the execution of numerous daily tasks. Existing literature has shown that working memory declines with adult age. Digit Span Test (DST) is often used in clinical practice to assess working memory. Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess individuals’ working memory and its relation with age. We examined if there are differences in working memory between the age groups (Group 1: 18-29 YO; Group 2: 30-59 YO; Group 3: 60+ YO). Further we analyzed if those differences would remain when controlling de effects of state-anxiety. Moreover, we intended to assess if age is predictive of working memory performance. Methods: We collected a sample of 39 participants (M = 41.67, DP = 20.52). To assess state anxiety we used the Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (STAI-Y2). To assess the working memory, we used the Digit Span Test in forward and backward order. Results: The results of the one-way analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences in the scores between the age groups in the forward order, Group 1 performed better on the task than Groups 2 and 3, also, Group 2 performed better than Group 3. The covariance analyses demonstrated that the effect of age in the individuals’ performance remained when controlling for the effect of state-anxiety. The regression analyses revealed that age is a statistically significant predictor of performance in the backward order. Conclusions: This study supports the existing literature that emphasizes age as a predictor of working memory performance. We concluded that as age increases, performance in working memory decreases. Pointedly, aging is associated with deterioration of working memory capacities and psychological flexibility.