Characterization of prospective memory in mild cognitive impairment by using the Ecological test of Prospective Memory.

The objective of this study was to explore the exact nature, extent, and cognitive correlates of prospective memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by using the Ecological Test of Prospective Memory (TEMP). Twenty-five MCI participants and 25 healthy older adults (HOA) performed the TEMP, the Envelope Task, the Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory (CAPM), and a neuropsychological test battery. Results showed that, during the TEMP, MCI participants had difficulty detecting the moment to perform the intentions in the time-based condition (prospective component) and retrieving the associated actions in the event- and time-based conditions (retrospective component). The prospective component of the event-based condition was correlated with retrospective memory, whereas the prospective component of the time-based condition was correlated with executive functions. Finally, the TEMP yielded good sensitivity and specificity for discriminating between MCI and HOA, contrary to the Envelope Task and the CAPM.