Self-identity in Relation to Autobiographical Memory and Short-term Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease

Indianapolis, IN

Short-term memory loss is a well know symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, but the impact on autobiographical memory and identity is not as well understood. This study is being performed to observe and identify a possible relationship between short-term memory of stories and self-defining memories (e.g., important memories from childhood). It is hypothesized that there will be a positive correlation between short-term narrative memory and self-defining memories because both processes involve organizing information into causal sequences that make logical sense. The participants for the study will be elderly individuals recruited through nursing homes. Some of the participants will not have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis while some will have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. All participants will be given two different memory tasks--Self-Defining Memory (SDM) and the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III. Once the data is collected, an analysis will be conducted to determine if there is a correlation between the different types of memories. In addition, the responses to the SDM will be analyzed in order to identify any patterns in the content of memories. The results of this research may be helpful in understanding the impact that Alzheimer’s on memory and patients’ sense of self.