Effects of a memory training program in older people with severe memory loss

Abstract

[EN]Strategies based memory training programs are widely used to enhance thecognitive abilities of the elderly. Participants in these training programs areusually people whose mental abilities remain intact. Occasionally, people withcognitive impairment also participate. The aim of this study was to test ifmemory training designed specifically for healthy people is effective in peoplewith severe memory impairment. We carried out a 10-year retrospective case-control study with Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) and memorycomplaint measures obtained pre-post training. The case group consisted of73 people with memory impairment (IM group). The control group (n = 72) wasmade of individuals with preserved memory and sociodemographic character-istics similar to the case group (PM group). Both groups improved theirperformance on everyday memory tasks (measured using the RBMT). The IMgroup improved more than the PM group in everyday memory tasks, especiallyin prospective memory tasks. Both groups also reduced their level of subjectivecomplaints as a result of training. In conclusion, our results are encouragingwith respect to the efficacy of comprehensive memory training programs forolder people with severe memory impairment.