A - 106 Memory and Executive Functions in Everyday Problem-Solving in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract Objective Everyday problem solving plays a meaningful role in real-world functioning. It is well-known that memory and executive skills change with age and are especially impacted by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (ad). This study examined the role of memory and executive functioning in the everyday problem-solving of healthy older adult, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and ad groups. Method Participants included healthy older controls (n = 58), persons with MCI (n = 65), and individuals with ad (n = 18). Composite scores were calculated for Memory (CVLT-II Long Delay Free Recall and BVMT-R Delayed Recall) and Executive Functioning (Stroop Interference and Trails B) tests completed by all participants. Everyday problem-solving was measured using participants’ total scores on the Everyday Problems Test (EPT). Results Across the cognitive spectrum (healthy aging, MCI, and ad), the results of a regression analysis found that memory and executive functioning were predictive of everyday problem-solving. We see that when broken down by diagnostic group, this finding was driven by memory and executive functioning predicting everyday problem-solving specifically in MCI. Memory and executive functioning did not predict everyday problem-solving in healthy older adults or ad. Conclusion Results indicate that memory and executive functioning play an important role in everyday problem-solving skills specifically in older adults exhibiting subtle cognitive impairment. Overall, this suggests that even mild cognitive decline begins to impact real-world functioning.