Two recent studies conducted PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) found that Hong Kong people have experienced the problem of “prospective memory” or “not remembering to remember to take action”. This also implies that they are not able to perform an intended action at a particular point in the future.

The first study involved 231 elderly subjects and the results was compared with a younger group of 140 people using a standardized Comprehensive Prospective Memory Questionnaire, and the result found the memory problem was getting worse with ageing.

The second study used The Cambridge Prospective Memory Test objectively to evaluate a sample of 40 stroke patients (aged 25 to 65) with another 44 age-matched normal health group. Findings showed similar pattern of memory failures due to advancing age and with the disability factors.

The research studies were completed by a research team led by Dr David Man, Associate Professor who heads the Cognitive Rehabilitation Laboratory at RS. The study was supported by the Kwai Chung Hospital, Kowloon Hospital, The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council and The Self Help Group for the Brain Damaged in Hong Kong. Details>>