The impact of stress on older adult caregivers\u27 everyday memory

The goal of the present study was to explore the relationship of stress with everyday memory and basic cognitive abilities in informal older adult caregivers. Caregivers completed a pseudo-medication regimen, measured using an electronic pill cap. The cap monitored the number of openings and the timing of the openings for 14 days. In addition, caregivers completed a daily stress assessment. Hierarchical linear models found no effect of stress, but speed of processing and working memory were related to the correct timing of openings. A cross-level interaction of speed of processing with stress on the timing of openings was found. Individuals with lower speed of processing scores improved their performance with stress. Overall, cognitive resources are predictive of everyday memory performance