Do clever old people have earlier and richer first memories?

Psychol Aging. 1988 Dec;3(4):338-41. doi: 10.1037//0882-7974.3.4.338.

Abstract

In a study of 377 people, from 54 to 83 years old, it was shown that the age of earliest memories was unrelated to current age but was related to intelligence. People with high IQ test scores remembered first and second memories at an earlier age than did those with lower IQ test scores. Intervals between first and second memories were briefer for those with high scores. The content of early memories was unrelated to age or intelligence.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence*
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Mental Recall*
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Development*
  • Retention, Psychology