Name two types of memory that commonly change with aging and how they change.

Name two types of memory that commonly change with aging and how they change.

• A. Episodic memory declines; semantic memory remains relatively stable or may improve; procedural memory remains robust
• B. Episodic memory declines; semantic memory declines; procedural memory declines
• C. Episodic memory remains stable; semantic memory declines; procedural memory improves
• D. Episodic memory declines; semantic memory remains stable or may improve; procedural memory declines

Answer: (A)

Memory changes with age are not the same for every type. The most consistent pattern is that episodic memory—the memory for personal events and experiences—tends to decline, making it harder to form new memories or recall specific details of recent events. In contrast, semantic memory—the general knowledge and vocabulary we've accumulated—tends to stay stable in healthy aging and can even improve as a lifetime of learning adds to our knowledge base. Procedural memory for skills and routines—like riding a bike or playing an instrument—usually remains robust and may show little to no decline. So the idea is that episodic memory declines while semantic memory remains relatively stable or can improve, and procedural memory remains strong.

Memory changes with age are not the same for every type. The most consistent pattern is that episodic memory—the memory for personal events and experiences—tends to decline, making it harder to form new memories or recall specific details of recent events. In contrast, semantic memory—the general knowledge and vocabulary we've accumulated—tends to stay stable in healthy aging and can even improve as a lifetime of learning adds to our knowledge base. Procedural memory for skills and routines—like riding a bike or playing an instrument—usually remains robust and may show little to no decline. So the idea is that episodic memory declines while semantic memory remains relatively stable or can improve, and procedural memory remains strong.