Effects of a memory training program in older people with severe memory loss |
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| Authors: | Pedro M Mateos Alberto Valentin Maria del Mar González-Tablas Verónica Espadas Juan L Vera Inmaculada García Jorge |
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| Institution: | 1. Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las CC. del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spainpmateos@usal.es;3. Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las CC. del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTStrategies based memory training programs are widely used to enhance the cognitive abilities of the elderly. Participants in these training programs are usually people whose mental abilities remain intact. Occasionally, people with cognitive impairment also participate. The aim of this study was to test if memory training designed specifically for healthy people is effective in people with severe memory impairment. We carried out a 10-year retrospective case-control study with Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) and memory complaint measures obtained pre-post training. The case group consisted of 73 people with memory impairment (IM group). The control group (n = 72) was made of individuals with preserved memory and sociodemographic characteristics similar to the case group (PM group). Both groups improved their performance on everyday memory tasks (measured using the RBMT). The IM group improved more than the PM group in everyday memory tasks, especially in prospective memory tasks. Both groups also reduced their level of subjective complaints as a result of training. In conclusion, our results are encouraging with respect to the efficacy of comprehensive memory training programs for older people with severe memory impairment. |
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