What does the term "prospective memory" refer to?

The term "prospective memory" specifically refers to the cognitive process involved in remembering to perform actions in the future. It encompasses the ability to form intentions and subsequently remember to act on those intentions at the appropriate time. For example, remembering to take medication at a certain time or attend a scheduled meeting falls under this category. It involves planning and the mental capacity to execute tasks based on those plans, distinguishing it from other types of memory that focus on recalling past events or verbatim information. This demonstrates how prospective memory is particularly concerned with future-oriented actions rather than recollections of past experiences or sensory memories.