A commentary on historical and innovative approaches to memory intervention for older adults

Brief Strategy Training in Aging: Near Transfer Effects and Mediation of Gains by Improved Self-Regulation

A common approach to cognitive intervention for adults is memory strategy training, but limited work of this type has examined intervention effects in relation to self-regulation (e.g., strategy usage, memory beliefs) and few have established near transfer (training-related performance gain on untrained tasks related to the target task). The present research, Everyday Memory Clinic—Revised (EMC-R), examined whether relatively brief face-name association training, offering elements focused on self-regulation, can improve name recall, enhance memory self-regulation, and lead to near transfer. Participants were 122 healthy, well-educated middle-aged and older adults (51–90 years old) randomly assigned to a strategy training program (SO), a comparable program with a theoretical self-regulatory boost (SB), or a waitlist control group. Compared to the waitlist group, both groups of trainees demonstrated higher pretest-posttest improvements in name recall (target task), memory self-efficacy, and effective strategy use, as well as the near transfer of gains to nontrained associative tasks, a rare finding in strategy training research. Furthermore, changes in memory self-efficacy and strategy use fully mediated the effect of training on name recall. This innovative approach for brief memory intervention offers a model for successful training that can be easily disseminated via community centers and lifelong learning programs.

Memory training plus yoga for older adults

Previous tests of the SeniorWISE intervention with community-residing older adults that were designed to improve affect and cognitive performance were successful and positively affected these outcomes. In this study, we tested whether adding yoga to the intervention would affect the outcomes. Using a quasiexperimental pre-post design, we delivered 12 hours of SeniorWISE memory training that included a 30-minute yoga component before each training session. The intervention was based on the four components of self-efficacy theory: enactive mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiologic arousal. We recruited 133 older adults between the ages of 53 and 96 years from four retirement communities in Central Texas. Individuals were screened and tested and then attended training sessions two times a week over 4 weeks. A septuagenarian licensed psychologist taught the memory training, and a certified yoga instructor taught yoga. Eighty-three participants completed at least 9 hours (75%) of the training and completed the posttest. Those individuals who completed made significant gains in memory performance, instrumental activities of daily living, and memory self-efficacy and had fewer depressive symptoms. Thirteen individuals advanced from poor to normal memory performance, and seven improved from impaired to poor memory performance; thus, 20 individuals improved enough to advance to a higher functioning memory group. The findings from this study of a memory training intervention plus yoga training show that the benefits of multifactorial interventions had additive benefits. The combined treatments offer a unique model for brain health programs and the promotion of nonpharmacological treatment with the goals of maintaining healthy brain function and boosting brain plasticity.

Facilitating change in health-related behaviors and intentions: a randomized controlled trial of a multidimensional memory program for older adults

OBJECTIVES

Many older adults are concerned about memory changes with age and consequently seek ways to optimize their memory function. Memory programs are known to be variably effective in improving memory knowledge, other aspects of metamemory, and/or objective memory, but little is known about their impact on implementing and sustaining lifestyle and healthcare-seeking intentions and behaviors.

METHODS

We evaluated a multidimensional, evidence-based intervention, the Memory and Aging Program, that provides education about memory and memory change, training in the use of practical memory strategies, and support for implementation of healthy lifestyle behavior changes. In a randomized controlled trial, 42 healthy older adults participated in a program (n = 21) or a waitlist control (n = 21) group.

RESULTS

Relative to the control group, participants in the program implemented more healthy lifestyle behaviors by the end of the program and maintained these changes 1 month later. Similarly, program participants reported a decreased intention to seek unnecessary medical attention for their memory immediately after the program and 1 month later.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the use of multidimensional memory programs to promote healthy lifestyles and influence healthcare-seeking behaviors. Discussion focuses on implications of these changes for maximizing cognitive health and minimizing impact on healthcare resources.