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Metamemory and aging: Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for elderly

METAMEMÓRIA E ENVELHECIMENTO: PROPRIEDADES PSICOMÉTRICAS DA VERSÃO BRASILEIRA DO QUESTIONÁRIO MULTIFATORIAL DE MEMÓRIA PARA IDOSOS

ABSTRACT

Metamemory measures provide subjective memory information and are relevant to investigate memory ability in aging. However, there is a lack of metamemory instruments available in Brazil.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), which evaluates different dimensions of subjective memory functioning, such as Feelings, Abilities and Strategies used in everyday life.

Methods:

The MMQ was translated into Portuguese and administered to 30 Brazilian elderly subjects. The participants underwent cognitive tests, mood scales and metamemory instruments.

Results:

Analyses revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's a coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.89) and test-retest validity for each MMQ dimensions (positive correlations between two applications ranged from 0.75 to 0.8). Convergent validity evidence for the MMQ was confirmed by significant positive correlations (0.47 to 0.68) with dimensions of the Metamemory in Adulthood scale (MIA) (i.e., the Ability, Control, Self-efficacy and Strategy dimensions). Discriminant validity revealed no associations between the MMQ and cognitive performance, suggesting a weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between MMQ-Ability subscale scores and mood symptoms (-0.63 for anxious symptoms, and -0.54 for depressive symptoms); and the Brazilian MMQ was comparable with MMQ translations to other languages.

Conclusion:

The Brazilian MMQ exhibits good psychometric properties and appears promising for clinical and research purposes. Additional studies are needed to further examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian MMQ in a larger sample.

Key words:
metamemory; subjective memory; episodic memory; cognition and aging

RESUMO

Medidas de metamemória fornecem informações acerca da memória subjetiva e são relevantes para se compreender a habilidade de memória no envelhecimento. Todavia, há uma falta de instrumentos de metamemória disponíveis no Brasil.

Objetivo:

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo examinar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ), que avalia diferentes aspectos da memória subjetiva, como Sentimentos, Habilidade e Estratégias usadas na vida diária.

Métodos:

O MMQ foi traduzido para o Português e administrado em 30 idosos brasileiros. Os participantes realizaram testes cognitivos, escalas de humor e questionários de metamemória.

Resultados:

Análises revelaram boa consistência interna (coeficiente a de Cronbach's variou de 0.75 a 0.89) e validade teste-reteste para cada dimensão do MMQ (correlações positivas entre as duas aplicações variou de 0.75 a 0.8). Validade convergente do MMQ foi identificada através de correlações positivas (0.47 a 0.68) com as dimensões do Metamemory In Adulthood Questionnaire (MIA) (i.e., Habilidade, Controle, Autoeficácia e Estratégia). Validade discriminante revelou ausência de associação entre MMQ e performance cognitiva, sugerindo uma fraca correspondência entre metamemória e memória objetiva. Além disto, observou-se uma correlação negativa entre os escores da subscala MMQ-Habilidade e sintomas do humor (-0.63 para sintomas ansiosos, e -0.54 para sintomas depressivos); e o MMQ Brasileiro se mostrou comparável a traduções do MMQ em outros idiomas.

Conclusão:

O MMQ Brasileiro apresenta boas propriedades psicométricas e parece ser promissor para o uso clínico e de pesquisa. Estudos adicionais são necessários para investigar caracteristicas psicométricas do MMQ Brasileiro em uma amostra maior.

Palavras-chave:
metamemória; memória subjetiva; memória episódica; cognição e envelhecimento

INTRODUCTION

Metamemory is frequently defined as knowledge about one's own memory functioning,11. Flavell JH, Wellman HM. Metamemory. In: RV Kail and JW Hagen (Eds.), Perspectives on the development of memory and cognition. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum; 1977:3-34.

2. Shimamura MA. Toward a Cognitive Neuroscience of Metacognition. Conscious and Cogn 2000;9:313-323.
-33. Pannu JK, Kazniak AW. Metamemory Experiments in Neurological Populations: A Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2005;15(3):105-130. and the monitoring and control processes that allow subjects to regulate their memory activity and content.44. Nelson TO, Narens L. Why investigate metacognition? In: J Metcalfe and AP Shimamura (Eds.), Metacognition: Knowing about knowing. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press;1994:1-25. Knowledge about one's own memory includes factual knowledge about tasks, memory strategies, and the subject's beliefs about their memory abilities.55. Hultsch DF, Hertzog C, Dixon RA, Davidson H. Memory self-knowledge and self-efficacy in the aged. In: ML Howe and CJ Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive development in adulthood: Progress in cognitive development research. New York, NY: Springer; 1988:65-92. These aspects are considered important in directing the use of memory processes in overall decision making.66. Szajer J, Murphy C. Education level predicts retrospective metamemory accuracy in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2013;35(9):971-982. Also, authors have argued that the metamemory definition should also include feelings and emotions about memory, along with self-efficacy associated with memory,55. Hultsch DF, Hertzog C, Dixon RA, Davidson H. Memory self-knowledge and self-efficacy in the aged. In: ML Howe and CJ Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive development in adulthood: Progress in cognitive development research. New York, NY: Springer; 1988:65-92.,77. Yassuda MS, Lasca VB, Neri AL. Meta-memória e auto-eficácia: um estudo de validação de instrumentos de pesquisa sobre memória e envelhecimento. Psicol Reflex Crit. 2005;18(1):78-90. which is related to confidence level regarding one's own memory ability.88. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman; 1977. Metamemory has been studied within the field of psychology of aging to understand changes in memory abilities during aging. Also, in older adults, beliefs in memory efficacy appear to be weaker than in younger individuals,77. Yassuda MS, Lasca VB, Neri AL. Meta-memória e auto-eficácia: um estudo de validação de instrumentos de pesquisa sobre memória e envelhecimento. Psicol Reflex Crit. 2005;18(1):78-90.,99. Dunlosky J, Metcalfe J. Metacognition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc; 2008. where elders tend to be convinced of a decline over time and report less control over their memory function than younger adults.1010. Hertzog C, Hultsch DF. Metacognition in adulthood and old age. In: FIM Craik, TA. Salthouse (Eds.), The handbook of aging and cognition (2nd Ed). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 2000:417-466.,1111. Lineweaver TT, Hertzog C. Adults' efficacy and control beliefs regarding memory and aging: Separating general from personal beliefs. Aging Neuropsychol Cogn 1998;5:264-296. Other evidence suggests that beliefs about one's potential to use memory effectively influence the self-selected exposure to memory-demanding situations, degree of effort and actual performance.99. Dunlosky J, Metcalfe J. Metacognition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc; 2008.,1212. Cavanaugh, J C. Memory self-efficacy as a moderator of memory change. In F. Blanchard-Fields & T M Hess (Eds.), Perspectives on cognitive change in adulthood and aging. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1996:488-507.

13. Lachman ME, Andreoletti C, Pearman A. Memory control beliefs: How are they related to age, strategy use and memory improvement? Soc Cognition 2006;24:359-385.
-1414. West RL, Welch DC, Thorn RM. Effects of goal-setting and feedback on memory performance and beliefs among older and younger adults. Psychol Aging 2001;16(2):240-250.

Metamemory research has been considered relevant since subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are frequent in elders, and can be associated with a high level of distress and reduced quality of life, although do not necessarily interfere with activities of daily living.1515. Ito K, Inagaki H, Sugiyama M, Okamura T, Shimokado K, Awata S. Association between subjective memory complaints and mental health well-being in urban community-dwelling elderly in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010;13(1):234-235 Also, the occurrence of SMCs is one of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, together with objective cognitive deficits identified by means of neuropsychological batteries.1616. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edn;Washington, DC; 2013. Moreover, the use of memory strategies play an important role in the ability of older adults to adapt to or compensate for late-life memory loss and impairment,1717. Dixon RA, de Frias CM, Bäckman L. Characteristics of self-reported memory compensation in older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2001;23(5):630-661. with recent findings suggesting that elders preferentially use external memory strategies to cope with everyday memory impairment due to aging.1818. Bouazzaoui B, Isingrini M, Fay S, Angel L, Vanneste S, Clarys D, Taconnat L. Aging and self-reported internal and external memory strategy uses: the role of executive functioning. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2010;135(1):59-66.

In recent decades, self-report memory questionnaires have been developed to better investigate metamemory. These instruments are useful tools for investigating everyday memory problems, estimating the clinical significance of a memory problem and in guiding the development and evaluation of intervention programs.1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. Also, they can provide important information about aspects of subjective performance that is not captured by objective memory testing alone. However, studies describe weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence, suggesting that other factors can contribute to metamemory, such as mood (e.g. depressive and anxiety symptoms), and executive dysfunction.55. Hultsch DF, Hertzog C, Dixon RA, Davidson H. Memory self-knowledge and self-efficacy in the aged. In: ML Howe and CJ Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive development in adulthood: Progress in cognitive development research. New York, NY: Springer; 1988:65-92.,2020. Randolph JJ, Arnett PA, Freske P. Metamemory in multiple sclerosis: exploring affective and executive contributors. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2004;19(I2):259-279. These aspects can lead individuals to inaccurately rate their memory abilities. It is noteworthy that, in general, these instruments provide information primarily or exclusively about the frequency that memory mistakes occurs whereas few provide information regarding the individuals's knowledge, beliefs and feelings about their memory or on the strategies used in everyday life.1717. Dixon RA, de Frias CM, Bäckman L. Characteristics of self-reported memory compensation in older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2001;23(5):630-661. The Memory Function Questionnaire (MFQ)2121. Gilewski MJ, Zelinski EM, Schaie KW, Thompson LW. Abbreviating the metamemory questionnaire: Factor structure norms for adults. Paper presented at the 91st annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Anaheim, CA; 1983. and the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire (MIA)2222. Dixon RA, Hultsch DF, Hertzog C. The metamemory in adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1988;24:671-688. overcome these shortcomings.

Despite the considerable number of self-report memory questionnaires described in the literature, Troyer and Rich1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. list some drawbacks associated with their use, especially in clinical settings. First, some instruments were developed primarily for research, so the items do not necessarily reflect aspects of memory that are amenable to clinical intervention. Second, several instruments include items that are not applicable to some individuals, such as public speaking, reading novels, driving or working. Third, some questionnaires, such as the MIA, contain a very large number of items and are time consuming, which can affect compliance, especially in older or cognitively impaired individuals.

Therefore, Troyer and Rich1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. designed the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), a metamemory questionnaire developed for application in clinical and research settings. The MMQ consists of three parts designed to assess dimensions of metamemory judgments: (1) contentment with one's own memory ability (MMQ-Contentment); (2) perception of everyday memory ability (MMQ-Ability); and (3) everyday memory strategies (MMQ-Strategy). To increase compliance, the authors developed a shorter questionnaire than previously available instruments, requiring about 10 minutes to complete. Thus, the MMQ can be considered an improvement over other memory self-report instruments because it embodies a number of features in combination: multidimensionality, clinical relevance, brevity and ease of administration. Moreover, the questionnaire includes items pertaining to aspects of memory-related affects, not typically included in existing questionnaires.

Regarding the psychometric properties of the MMQ, it has been confirmed as having excellent content validity, factorial validity, reliability (test-retest and intratest), construct validity (convergent and discriminant) and reliability of independent demographic variables.1717. Dixon RA, de Frias CM, Bäckman L. Characteristics of self-reported memory compensation in older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2001;23(5):630-661. More specifically, high internal consistency in each dimension was found (Cronbach's a was 0.95 for MMQ-Contentment, 0.93 for MMQ-Ability, and 0.83 for MMQ-Strategy).1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. Also, the convergent validity of the MMQ scales was demonstrated by their correlations with the MFQ and MIA, and discriminant validity was demonstrated by the lack of a correlation between the MMQ scales and cognitive tests. Therefore, the MMQ exhibits psychometric strengths and has been translated to other languages.2424. Riffo B, Reyes F, Véliz M. Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario multidimensional de memoria en población chilena adulta Psychometric properties of multifactorial memory questionnaire in chilean adult population. Ter Psicol. 2013;31(2):227-237.

25. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355.
-2626. Raimo S, Trojano L, Siciliano M, et al. Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the multifactorial memory questionnaire for adults and the elderly Neurol Sci. 2016;37(5):681-691. Furthermore, the MMQ has been described as a useful measure for several population samples, such as patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and epilepsy.2727. Hampstead BM, Gillid MM, Stringer AY. 2014. Cognitive Rehabilitation of Memory for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Methodological Review and Model for Future Research. J. Int Neuropsychol Soc 2014;20(2):135-151.,2828. Illmana NA, Moulina CJA, Kempb S. Assessment of everyday memory functioning in temporal lobe epilepsy and healthy adults using the multifactorial memory questionnaire (MMQ). Epilepsy Res. 2015;113:86-89.

The majority of the metamemory studies and questionnaires cited above were performed in elderly populations of developed countries with different cultural backgrounds to Brazil. Thus, it is crucial to verify whether results in the international literature are also valid for the Brazilian population. For instance, whether there is a similarly weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence; or an impact of mood, education and/or cultural background on metamemory measures. Hence, to better develop this research field in the country, Brazilian studies need to translate and validate metamemory instruments. Although some efforts have been made such as with the Brazilian version of the MIA,77. Yassuda MS, Lasca VB, Neri AL. Meta-memória e auto-eficácia: um estudo de validação de instrumentos de pesquisa sobre memória e envelhecimento. Psicol Reflex Crit. 2005;18(1):78-90. there is still a lack of metamemory questionnaires available in Brazil. Also, since the MMQ has been considered a useful tool in different countries,1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2424. Riffo B, Reyes F, Véliz M. Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario multidimensional de memoria en población chilena adulta Psychometric properties of multifactorial memory questionnaire in chilean adult population. Ter Psicol. 2013;31(2):227-237.

25. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355.
-2626. Raimo S, Trojano L, Siciliano M, et al. Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the multifactorial memory questionnaire for adults and the elderly Neurol Sci. 2016;37(5):681-691. we believe that developing a Brazilian version of the MMQ can be a relevant contribution to our population.

Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a Brazilian version of the MMQ and to examine its psychometric properties as a tool for research and clinical purposes.

METHODS

Translating and adapting the MMQ. The MMQ was translated in three stages. First, two clinical neuropsychologists trained in the aging field produced an independent translation from English to Portuguese. Second, these versions were unified to reach a consensus on the Portuguese version. Finally, a professional Portuguese-English translator back-translated the material. The final version is given in the Appendix.

Participants. The study participants were 30 cognitively normal elders aged 60 years or older. The sample was recruited via community lectures, associations, a database of research volunteers and through recommendation by colleagues or volunteers. Participants were informed of the voluntary and anonymous nature of the research, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical School of the University of São Paulo.

Screening and cognitive evaluation. In order to identify participants with possible memory impairment, neuropsychologists initially conducted an individual interview and cognitive screening. Volunteers were excluded if they presented a history of psychiatric, neurological and/or medical condition that could affect cognition, as well as significant mood symptoms (9 or more points on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS2929. Marcolino JAM, Mathias LAST, Piccinini Filho L, Guaratini AA, Suzuki FM, Alli LAC. Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão: Estudo da Validade de Critério e da Confiabilidade com Pacientes no Pré-Operatório. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2007;57:52-62.) or inconsistent cognitive performance for age and educational level on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)3030. Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR. Mini-Mental State: A practical method for grading the cognitive state of the patient for the clinician. J Psychiatr Res. 1974;12:189-198.,3131. Brucki SMD, Nitrini R, Caramelli P, Bertolucci PHF, Okamoto IH. Sugestões para o uso do mini-exame do estado mental no Brasil. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003;61(3B):777-781. or on measures of attention, working memory, learning and memory: Digit Span - forward and backward (WAIS-III),3232. Nascimento, E. WAIS-III: Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para Adultos - manual técnico. São Paulo: Casa do Psicólogo; 2005. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)3333. Diniz LFM, Cruz MF, Torres VM, Cosenza RM. O teste de aprendizagem auditivo-verbal de Rey: normas para uma população brasileira. Rev Bras Neurol. 2000;36:79-83. and Brief Visual Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R).3434. Benedict RHB. Brief Visualspatial Memory Test- Revised. Odessa: Psychological Assessment Resourse; 1997.

Metamemory questionnaires. The participants filled out two metamemory questionnaires, the MMQ and the MIA. Although these are self-report questionnaires, the interviewer assessed possible difficulties in understanding the items. As briefly outlined earlier, the MMQ consists of 57 items, divided into three scales related to dimensions of metamemory judgments (Table 1): MMQ-Contentment, MMQ-Ability; MMQ-Strategy. The subjects were asked to evaluate these dimensions based on the last 2 weeks, as required by the MMQ instructions.1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. The Portuguese forms of the MMQ are provided in the supplementary material.

Table 1
MMQ questionnaire dimensions.

MMQ-Contentment addresses several emotions and perceptions that subjects may have about their current memory ability. Statements address positive emotions (e.g. confidence, satisfaction), negative emotions (e.g. embarrassment, irritation), and subjective ability ratings (e.g. comparison to peers, belief that one has a serious memory problem). Respondents rate their level of agreement with each statement according to how they felt in the past 2 weeks. MMQ-Ability contains everyday memory situations, such as remembering appointments, paying bills, and names. Responders indicated the frequency with which each mistake occurred over the last 2 weeks. MMQ-Strategy describes different memory aids and strategies applicable to everyday memory tasks, such as writing appointments on a calendar or agenda, using visual imagery, repeating information to oneself. Responders indicated the frequency with which each strategy was used over the last 2 weeks.

Regarding the MIA,2222. Dixon RA, Hultsch DF, Hertzog C. The metamemory in adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1988;24:671-688. the questionnaire comprises 108 items, assessing the following dimensions: Strategy (memory strategy use or knowledge about strategies), Task (knowledge about memory processes), Ability (perceptions about one's own ability to memorize), Change (perceived evolution of one's memory with aging), Activity (activities maintaining memory), Anxiety (stress related to memory situations), Motivation (importance of succeeding in memory tasks), and Locus (locus of control in memory abilities). Also, two factors can be extracted from the grouping of some items: Self-Efficacy factor, result of the sum of Ability, Locus and Change items; and Self-Knowledge factor, result of the sum of Strategy, Task and Motivation items.

Procedures. Questionnaires, cognitive tests and the mood scale were administered individually and the MMQ were applied in a fixed order (Contentment, Ability and Strategy). MMQ and cognitive test scores were compared to investigate the discriminant validity of the MMQ, and to better understand metamemory-objective memory correspondence. Also, convergent validity was investigated by comparing the performance between MMQ and MIA, since MIA has already been validated for the Brazilian population.77. Yassuda MS, Lasca VB, Neri AL. Meta-memória e auto-eficácia: um estudo de validação de instrumentos de pesquisa sobre memória e envelhecimento. Psicol Reflex Crit. 2005;18(1):78-90. Three months later, the participants were resubmitted to MMQ to assess the test-retest reliability of the instrument. Furthermore, MMQ scores were compared with the scores of other populations.

Statistical analysis. Internal consistency of each MMQ dimension was evaluated using Cronbach's a coefficient for which a value of 0.70 was considered acceptable.2323. Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. Assessing health status and quality-of-life instruments: attributes and review criteria. Qual Life Res. 2002;11:193-205 Test-retest reliability of the Brazilian version of the MMQ was assessed by calculating Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient between the first and second measurement. Convergent validity between the MMQ and MIA scores was investigated using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient with results corrected for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni method). For these two analyses, the average between the first and second measurement of the MMQ scores was considered. Moreover, discriminant validity was assessed using linear regression models to evaluate the association between the MMQ scores and cognitive test performances. Finally, Welch's t-test was used to compare the MMQ mean scores with scores of different populations.

RESULTS

Sample. Thirty cognitive normal elders were included in the study. Participants' mean age was 75.2 years (ranging from 60 to 96, SD = 10.8), and mean education in years was 12.4 years (ranging from 4 to 22, SD = 3.8). Moreover, 80% of the participants were female, 60.3% were professionally active, 76.6% lived in their own homes and 23.3% lived in a retirement home. All participants performed within the age and education appropriate norms of the objective cognitive tests applied, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2
Participants' characteristics and cognitive performance.

Internal consistency. The internal consistencies of the scores on the items constituting each MMQ dimension were examined using Cronbach's a coefficients on data from all participants. These analyses indicated highly reliable scores on all dimensions: for the Contentment dimension, a was 0.89 (0.95 in the original version1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.); for Ability, a was 0.87 (0.93 in the original version); and for Strategy, a was 0.75 (0.83 in the original version).

Test-retest reliability. Three-month test-retest reliability was examined and a high level of agreement was observed between the two applications of the Brazilian version of the MMQ. Significant correlations indicated highly reliable scores on all MMQ dimensions, suggesting satisfactory temporal stability of the Brazilian version of the MMQ (Table 3). It is noteworthy that the average time to complete the MMQ was around 10 to 15 minutes.

Table 3
Test-retest reliability: correlations between MMQ applications.

Convergent validity. As described in previous studies, convergent validity between the MMQ and the MIA was determined by calculating correlation coefficients,1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. and adjusted for multiple comparisons (Table 4).

Table 4
Comparisons between MMQ, MIA and HADS scores.

The Contentment dimension of the MMQ was significantly correlated with the Ability item and Self-Efficacy factor (sum of Ability, Locus and Change items) on the MIA (r = 0.49, p < 0.05; and r = 0.47, p < 0.05). These results indicate that a high degree of memory satisfaction was significantly associated with more positive perceptions about one's own ability to memorize (Ability), and possibly better locus of control in memory abilities and perceptions of memory changes related to the aging process (Locus and Change items).

The MMQ Ability scale showed significant correlations with MIA Ability (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), as reported in the literature,1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. and also for the MIA Locus (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) and Self-efficacy factor (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). This association indicates that an optimistic rating of one's abilities was associated with few reports of difficulty,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. and better perceived self-efficacy in everyday life. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation between memory ability self-appraisal (MMQ-Ability) and mood symptoms was also observed, with stronger correlation with anxious symptoms (r = -0.63, p < 0.01) than depressive symptoms (r = -0.54, p < 0.05).

The MMQ Strategy dimension was strongly and significantly correlated with the Strategy dimension of the MIA, as reported by other authors1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. (r = 0.68, p < 0.01).

Discriminant validity. In the original study of Troyer and Rich,1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. a lack of correlation was shown between the MMQ scales and cognitive tests. Similarly, scores on the Brazilian version of the MMQ showed no correlation with any of the cognitive tests, suggesting weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence.

Comparisons between different samples and languages: The Brazilian MMQ scores are shown in Table 5, and scores for other samples, such as English-speaking (original sample),1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. Spanish-speaking,2424. Riffo B, Reyes F, Véliz M. Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario multidimensional de memoria en población chilena adulta Psychometric properties of multifactorial memory questionnaire in chilean adult population. Ter Psicol. 2013;31(2):227-237. French-speaking,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. are given in Table 6. When comparing the Brazilian sample with the original sample, the results show that the Portuguese-speaking sample had a similar pattern on the Contentment dimension, albeit somewhat lower (t = 1.7814; df = 143; p-value = 0.07), as well as higher Ability scores (t = 5.9293; df = 143; p-value < 0.001) and lower scores on the Strategy dimension (t = 9.0862; df = 143; p-value < 0.001). However, Brazilian scores showed a pattern more similar to those observed in the French and Spanish versions (p-values >0.05).

Table 5
Scores obtained on Brazilian version of MMQ scales.
Table 6
Scores obtained on MMQ scales in English (original), French and Spanish.

DISCUSSION

The aim of the present study was to adapt the MMQ1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. to the Portuguese language for use in the Brazilian population. Our results showed that the Brazilian MMQ had psychometric strengths for use in older adults. We observed good internal consistency (Cronbach's a coefficients ranged from 0.75 to 0.89) and test-retest reliability on each of the MMQ dimensions, along with temporal stability between the two applications (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.74 to 0.8). Discriminant validity was evidenced by the lack of correlation between memory self-appraisals and cognitive performance, and convergent validity by the positive correlations (from 0.47 to 0.68) between dimensions on the MMQ and MIA (i.e., Ability, Control, Self-efficacy and Strategy), akin to preview studies.1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355.

The comparisons between different MMQ languages showed that our Brazilian Portuguese-speaking sample had similar scores on the Contentment dimension, higher scores on the Ability dimension and lower scores on the Strategy dimension than the English-speaking sample of the original MMQ study.1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27. However, Brazilian scores showed a pattern similar to those observed in the Spanish-speaking2424. Riffo B, Reyes F, Véliz M. Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario multidimensional de memoria en población chilena adulta Psychometric properties of multifactorial memory questionnaire in chilean adult population. Ter Psicol. 2013;31(2):227-237. and French-speaking2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. samples. These differences may be explained in part due to translational aspects and cultural bias, which can influence perception about memory and aging, the small Brazilian sample size, and/or demographic differences between the samples, such as age and education. For instance, the Brazilian sample was slightly older (mean age: 75.2; SD: 10.8) than the original sample (mean age: 71.1; SD: 9.9) and slightly lower mean education (Brazilian sample mean age: 12.4; SD: 3.8; English-speaking sample mean age: 13.8; SD: 2.8). The exact influence of these factors on the MMQ scores remains unclear. However, it has been suggested that educational level can influence metamemory, with evidence that older adults with higher educational level have a more accurate level of confidence in retrospective metamemory.66. Szajer J, Murphy C. Education level predicts retrospective metamemory accuracy in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2013;35(9):971-982. It is worth noting that in our study the MMQ was suitable for elders with different educational background (4 to 22 years of schooling). However, we recommend that examiners supervise individuals with low educational level more closely in order to check for instruction comprehension and possible mistakes.

Similar to previous studies,55. Hultsch DF, Hertzog C, Dixon RA, Davidson H. Memory self-knowledge and self-efficacy in the aged. In: ML Howe and CJ Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive development in adulthood: Progress in cognitive development research. New York, NY: Springer; 1988:65-92.,2020. Randolph JJ, Arnett PA, Freske P. Metamemory in multiple sclerosis: exploring affective and executive contributors. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2004;19(I2):259-279. a weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence was observed by the lack of relationship between memory self-appraisals and cognitive performance (discriminative validity). However, a significant negative correlation was found between self-appraisal memory abilities (MMQ-Ability) and mood symptoms (-0.63 for anxious symptoms, and -0.54 for depressive symptoms), suggesting that elders with less mood symptoms report better memory ability. These results are in tune with the literature suggesting that the relationship between metamemory and objective memory performance is probably mediated by other variables, such as mood symptoms,3535. Hurt S, Burns A., Barrowclough C. Perceptions of memory problems are more important in predicting distress in older adults with subjective memory complaints than coping strategies. Int Psychogeriatr. 2011;23(8):1334-1343. .,3636. Jonker J, Smits CHM, Deeg DJH. Affect-related metamemory and memory performance in a population-based sample of older adults. Educ Gerontol. 1997;23(2):115-128. executive dysfunction,2020. Randolph JJ, Arnett PA, Freske P. Metamemory in multiple sclerosis: exploring affective and executive contributors. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2004;19(I2):259-279. and also demographic characteristics, such age and educational background.3737. Crumley JJ, Stetler CA, and Horhota M. Examining the Relationship Between Subjective and Objective Memory Performance in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis. Psychol Aging 2014;29(2):250-263.

Furthermore, future studies should investigate the psychometric properties of the external and internal strategies present in the MMQ Strategy separately,2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355.,2626. Raimo S, Trojano L, Siciliano M, et al. Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the multifactorial memory questionnaire for adults and the elderly Neurol Sci. 2016;37(5):681-691. which can be a useful tool for evaluating the use of these different kinds of strategies and planning cognitive interventions. For instance, Fort et al.2525. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355. found a correlation between the MMQ Strategy dimension (external strategies) and both age and education.

The present study has some limitations that should be considered. First, the present sample size is small; and second, we did not present a measure of general health, which could be helpful to better characterize the sample, data which we collected only in a qualitative way through an interview.

To our knowledge, there is a lack of metamemory instruments available in Brazil and the current study presents exploratory data regarding the Brazilian version of the MMQ, considered a promising self-report measure of memory, given its focus on clinically relevant aspects of memory, multidimensionality, brevity, and ease of administration.1919. Troyer AK, Rich JB. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci. 2002;57: 19-27.,2424. Riffo B, Reyes F, Véliz M. Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario multidimensional de memoria en población chilena adulta Psychometric properties of multifactorial memory questionnaire in chilean adult population. Ter Psicol. 2013;31(2):227-237.

25. Fort I, Adoul L, Holl D, Kaddour J, Gana K. Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Adults and the Elderly. Can J Aging 2004;23(4):347-355.
-2626. Raimo S, Trojano L, Siciliano M, et al. Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the multifactorial memory questionnaire for adults and the elderly Neurol Sci. 2016;37(5):681-691. The MMQ has been considered sensitive to changes after cognitive intervention (e.g.. cognitive training and rehabilitation) in healthy older adults and MCI patients, having proven a useful tool for future studies.2727. Hampstead BM, Gillid MM, Stringer AY. 2014. Cognitive Rehabilitation of Memory for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Methodological Review and Model for Future Research. J. Int Neuropsychol Soc 2014;20(2):135-151. Also, the MMQ can be relevant to help design cognitive interventions in older adults who have cognitive complaints but no memory strategies in everyday life. Although the results provide support for the psychometric strengths of the Brazilian version of the MMQ, additional studies are needed to further examine its psychometric properties, particularly in a larger sample.

Acknowledgment. We would like to thank Prof. Angela Troyer for sending the original MMQ forms.

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APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ)(Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Sentimento Como eu me sinto sobre a minha memória

Folha de Aplicação

Abaixo estão afirmações sobre sentimentos que as pessoas talvez tenham sobre a própria memória. Leia cada frase e decida se você concorda.


Pense em como você tem se sentido nas últimas duas semanas. Em seguida, marque a coluna apropriada.

APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ) (Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Habilidade

Falhas de Memória

Folha de Aplicação


Abaixo há uma lista de falhas de memória comuns que as pessoas cometem. Decida com que frequência que você tem cometido cada uma destas nas últimas duas semanas. em seguida, marque a coluna apropriada.

APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ) (Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Estratégia

Estratégias de Memória

Folha de Aplicação

As pessoas frequentemente usam diferentes auxílios ou estratégias para lembrar as coisas. Diversas estratégias estão listadas abaixo.


Decida com que frequência você tem usado cada uma delas nas últimas duas semanas. Em seguida marque a coluna apropriada.

APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ) (Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Sentimento Como eu me sinto sobre a minha memória

Folha de Correção

Abaixo estão afirmações sobre sentimentos que as pessoas talvez tenham sobre a própria memória. Leia cada frase e decida se você concorda.


Pense em como você tem se sentido nas últimas duas semanas. Em seguida, marque a coluna apropriada.

APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ) (Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Habilidade

Falhas de Memória

Folha de Correção


Abaixo há uma lista de falhas de memória comuns que as pessoas cometem. Decida com que frequência que você tem cometido cada uma destas nas últimas duas semanas. em seguida, marque a coluna apropriada.

APPENDIX

Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ) (Simon et al., 2016)

MMQ-Estratégia

Estratégias de Memória

Folha de Correção

As pessoas frequentemente usam diferentes auxílios ou estratégias para lembrar as coisas. Diversas estratégias estão listadas abaixo.


Decida com que frequência você tem usado cada uma delas nas últimas duas semanas. Em seguida marque a coluna apropriada.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Apr-Jun 2016

History

  • Received
    02 Feb 2016
  • Accepted
    12 Apr 2016
Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurologia Cognitiva e Envelhecimento R. Vergueiro, 1353 sl.1404 - Ed. Top Towers Offices, Torre Norte, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, CEP 04101-000, Tel.: +55 11 5084-9463 | +55 11 5083-3876 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revistadementia@abneuro.org.br | demneuropsy@uol.com.br