Prospective Memory, Working Memory, Retrospective Memory and Self-Rated Memory Performance in Persons with Intellectual Disability

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between prospective memory, working memory, retrospective memory and self-rated memory capacity in adults with and without intellectual disability. Prospective memory was investigated by means of a picture-based task. Working memory was measured as performance on span tasks. Retrospective memory was scored as recall of subject performed tasks. Self-ratings of memory performance were based on the prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire. Individuals with intellectual disability performed at a lower level on most tasks and the task performances were to a higher degree correlated compared to persons without intellectual disability. The groups did not differ in self-rated memory scores. Distinct prospective memory cues (pictures, compared to words) were essential for prospective memory performance in persons with intellectual disability. The results are discussed with respect to how working memory capacity relates to prospective memory and retrospective memory performance.