We rely on prospective memory (PM) to carry out intended actions at an appropriate time in the future. This ability is very important for day-to-day functioning, for example, remembering to take medication, attend appointments and pay bills. The literature covering the topic of PM has increased exponentially in the past 20–30 years. This paper will describe this relatively novel form of memory and discuss the debilitating effect PM deficits have on everyday living. It will also examine the populations who experience significantly more frequent and severe PM impairments and explore the causes and mechanisms of PM impairments by reviewing behavioural, clinical, genetic and neuroimaging studies. The paper will conclude by discussing the latest research into ways of treating PM impairments in clinical populations. Where applicable, examples of research conducted by the author and his colleagues will be used to illustrate these topics.

There was an error made in the Declaration of Interest statement included in the above published article. To ensure transparency in the research process the authors wish to change the present Declaration of Interest statement to the following. The Triple P-Positive Parenting Program is owned by the University of Queensland (UQ). The University through its main technology transfer company UniQuest Pty Limited, has licensed Triple P International Pty Ltd to disseminate the program worldwide. Royalties stemming from this dissemination activity are distributed in accordance with the University's intellectual property policy and flow to the Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, UQ; Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences; and contributory authors. No author has any share or ownership in Triple P International Pty Ltd. Matthew Sanders is the founder and an author on various Triple P programs and a consultant to Triple P International.