"Remembering to Remember: The Road Less Traveled in Alzheimer's Disease — A Testable Framework for Retrieval Architecture, Anticipatory Preparation, and Preservation of Personhood."

Pre-Prin This theoretical research paper proposes a testable framework for improving functional memory access in cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease through anticipatory retrieval preparation. The framework distinguishes the storage of information from the ability to initiate and successfully retrieve information. It introduces the Anticipatory Retrieval Set (ARS), a structured cognitive preparation process, and the Fixed Predictable Retrieval Routine (FPRR), designed to promote consistent retrieval preparation before memory demands arise. Central to the proposal is the Pre-Error Principle: preparing the individual for successful retrieval before an error occurs, rather than relying primarily on correction after unsuccessful recall. The framework also examines production before perceptual confirmation, repeated successful retrieval, reduced external prompting, and increasing self-initiation. The paper proposes controlled experimental comparisons between conventional retrieval practice and equivalent retrieval practice supplemented by anticipatory preparation. Proposed outcomes include independent recall, retrieval latency, retention, transfer to new information, cue dependence, and self-initiated remembering. The central hypothesis is that anticipatory retrieval preparation may become an independently trainable component of remembering, potentially supporting functional independence and preservation of personhood. This is a theoretical, hypothesis-generating research contribution. It does not claim to cure Alzheimer's disease, reverse neurodegeneration, or establish clinical efficacy. Its purpose is to identify a scientifically testable approach to improving functional memory access.