Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is typically the primary concern for older adult patients regarding changes in memory?

1. Episodic memory loss

2. Semantic memory retention

3. Implicit memory clarity

4. Ornate memory enhancement

The correct answer is: Episodic memory loss

The primary concern for older adult patients regarding changes in memory is often episodic memory loss. Episodic memory refers to the ability to remember specific events or experiences, including the time and place they occurred. This type of memory is crucial for personal recollections and day-to-day functioning, such as recalling recent conversations, appointments, or important life events. As individuals age, they may frequently report difficulties in remembering these specific details, leading to frustration and concern about cognitive decline. While other types of memory, such as semantic memory (which involves the storage and recall of general knowledge and facts), implicit memory (involving skills and tasks learned through experience), and ornate memory (which typically does not refer to a clear category of memory in cognitive science) play roles in cognitive function, they do not usually induce the same level of concern as the loss of episodic memory. Patients may retain semantic memory longer and maintain clarity in implicit memory skills, making episodic memory loss a more pressing issue for many older adults.