Abstract: Two memory status groups were derived from a parent sample of older adults participating in the Victoria Longitudinal Study (VLS) in Canada. A not impaired control (NIC) group and a mild memory deficit (MMD) group were compared at baseline and longitudinally (over five waves or 12 years) regarding their use of memory compensation techniques in everyday life. We used multi-level modeling (covarying age and education) to examine baseline level differences and long-term change patterns. Baseline results showed that the MMD participants reported greater recent increases in memory compensation strategy use in everyday life. Longitudinal results showed notable 12-year stability in memory compensation use, but group-related differences in the compensatory mechanism of effort. The covariate of education (potentially a marker of cognitive reserve) was associated with differential change in three memory compensation strategies over time.

Key words: memory compensation, mild memory deficit, multi-level modeling, Victoria Longitudinal Study