How we compensate for memory loss in old age: adapting and validating the Memory Compensation Questionnaire (MCQ) for Spanish populations

Juan Carlos Meléndez; Teresa Mayordomo; Alicia Sales; María José Cantero; Paz Viguer

doi:10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.018

How we compensate for memory loss in old age: adapting and validating the Memory Compensation Questionnaire (MCQ) for Spanish populations

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2013 Jan-Feb;56(1):32-7. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.018. Epub 2012 Jul 19.

Authors

Juan Carlos Meléndez¹, Teresa Mayordomo, Alicia Sales, María José Cantero, Paz Viguer

Affiliation

¹ Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain. melendez@uv.es

PMID: 22818339
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.018

Abstract

Compensating entails using external strategies and mechanisms that help overcome or alleviate the decreasing memory function that comes with age. This study aims to adapt and validate the MCQ in the elderly Spanish population. A total of 403 elderly people aged between 65 and 92 in the city of Valencia (Spain) completed the questionnaire for the validation process. The factorial validity of the scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The result showed a first order five-factor model with 23 items that met the criteria for model fit according to multiple fit indices. As a general conclusion, the adaptation into Spanish provided a reliable and valid measure of compensation in the elderly population, and it could potentially be useful in both clinical practice and research in the elderly.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Factor Analysis, Statistical
Female
Humans
Male
Memory Disorders / diagnosis
Memory Disorders / psychology*
Psychological Tests / standards
Reproducibility of Results
Spain
Surveys and Questionnaires* / standards