Memory specificity training can improve working and prospective memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Emsaki, Golita; Doost, Hamid Taher Neshat; Tavakoli, Mansoor; Barekatain, Majid

doi:10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-030007

Cited by 10 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Since the initial study, the MEST protocol has been implemented in multiple studies that, in general, are more methodologically sound due to the inclusion of a control group: individuals with depression, including adults (Eigenhuis et al, 2017;Sadat Zia et al, 2021) and adolescents (Neshat-Doost et al, 2013;Werner-Seidler et al, 2018); war veterans with PTSD (Moradi et al, 2014); oncology patients with PTSD (Farahimanesh et al, 2020;Farahimanesh et al, 2021); and individuals with mild amnesiac cognitive impairment (Emsaki et al, 2017). These studies follow the MEST original protocol, but few studies utilised five sessions (i.e., Emsaki et al, 2017;Neshat-Doost et al, 2013;Werner-Seidler et al, 2018). A meta-analysis by Barry et al (2019), suggests that MEST is associated with a significant post-intervention improvement of depressive symptoms (d=0.47) and, in particular, of autobiographical memory specificity (d=−1.21).…”

Section: Memory Specificity Training (Mest)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Positive memory intervention techniques: a scoping review

Miguel-Álvaro

Guillén

Contractor

et al. 2021

Memory

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The scoping review examines and summarises the available knowledge base on intervention techniques focused on positive memories. An iterative series of PsycInfo and Medline searches was conducted up to April 2021 following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Thirty-nine studies, spanning 12 intervention techniques, were selected and described including: (1) theoretical basis; (2) type of study, sample, and measures; (3) intervention protocol; and (4) results of empirical studies if applicable. Results indicated that most techniques have only been tested in one-two studies with modest sample sizes and, when follow-ups are conducted, they are typically short. Results indicate that working with positive memories has the greatest impact on improving positive affect and reducing depressive symptoms, and that these effects are often temporary. This review serves as a quick reference guide to help professionals' access to descriptions and information on empirical evidence of positive memory techniques, improving their therapeutic arsenal to enhance well-being and therapeutic outcomes in their patients.

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Section: Memory Specificity Training (Mest)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Positive memory intervention techniques: a scoping review

Miguel-Álvaro

Guillén

Contractor

et al. 2021

Memory

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“…Studies were included in the review if they involved a training protocol for enhancing the specificity of autobiographical memory amongst participants and where there was an assessment of change in the symptoms of emotional disorders. Studies were not included in this review if they involved memory training amongst participants characterised by cognitive impairments (Emsaki, NeshatDoost, Tavakoli, & Barekatain, 2017). To ensure that no studies were missed a search of the PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and MEDLINE databases was undertaken, using the terms 'memory specific* training' and 'specific* training'.…”

Section: Review Strategy Inclusion Criteria and Data Extractionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A meta-analysis and systematic review of Memory Specificity Training (MeST) in the treatment of emotional disorders

Barry

Sze

Raes

2019

Behaviour Research and Therapy

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The tendency to recall events from one's past in a non-specific and overgeneral way has been found to predict the onset and severity of a range of emotional disorders. Memory Specificity Training (MeST) was devised a decade ago in order to target and modify this tendency so as to reduce the symptoms of emotional disorder or to reduce the risk that such disorders might emerge over time. We present a meta-analytical review of research into the effects of MeST on autobiographical memory specificity in the context of emotional disorders (k = 12). MeST was associated with substantial improvement in memory specificity (d = -1.21) and depressive symptoms (d = 0.47) and MeST groups outperformed control groups at postintervention in terms of specificity (d = 1.08) and depressive symptoms (d = -.29). However, these effects were transitory and the benefit of MeST over control groups was mostly lost by follow-up assessment. There was mixed evidence in terms of MeST's effects on other processes associated with reduced specificity but MeST showed most promise in improving problem solving abilities and hopelessness. MeST holds promise as a novel intervention targeting reduced specificity but future studies are warranted with control groups that enable the investigation of MeST's mechanism of action and in studies with larger and more varied samples.

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“…Most of the studies (23/48) used a mixed design (i.e., both cross-sectional and longitudinal), 21/48 studies applied a cross-sectional design, and 4/48 studies applied a longitudinal design. Eleven studies involved at least one follow-up assessment after the PM training (Andrewes et al, 1996 ; Burkard et al, 2014a ; Emsaki et al, 2017 ; Farzin et al, 2018 ; Insel et al, 2016 ; Kinsella et al, 2009 , 2016 ; Lee et al, 2013 ; Schmidt et al, 1999 , 2001 ; Troyer et al, 2008 ). The follow-up length ranged from four weeks to six months ( M = 3.27 months, SD = 1.39).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This review aims to address the above research gaps. First, previous studies have revealed mixed findings regarding long-term training efficacies (Emsaki et al, 2017 ; Insel et al, 2016 ; Kinsella et al, 2009 ; Lee et al, 2013 ). For example, PM training regimes such as memory intervention (Kinsella et al, 2009 ) have been shown to improve PM when assessed at post-test and 4-month follow-up.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Prospective Memory Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

et al. 2022

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Prospective memory (PM), which enables one to remember to carry out delayed intentions, is crucial for everyday functioning. PM commonly deteriorates upon cognitive decline in older adults, but several studies have shown that PM in older adults can be improved by training. The current study aimed to summarise this evidence by conducting a qualitative systematic analysis and quantitative meta-analysis of the effects of PM training in older adults, for which systematic searches were conducted across seven databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus). Forty-eight studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 43% of the assessed PM training interventions showed positive gains in enhancing PM. However, the methodological quality varied across the studies, with 41% of the non-randomised control trials (non-RCTs) rated as having either serious or critical risk of bias. Therefore, only 29 RCTs were included in the subsequent quantitative meta-analysis. We found a significant and moderate immediate efficacy (Hedges’ g = 0.54) of PM training in enhancing PM performance in older adults, but no significant long-term efficacy (Hedges’ g = 0.21). Two subgroup analyses also revealed a robust training efficacy across the study population (i.e., healthy and clinical population) and the number of training sessions (i.e., single session and programme-based). Overall, this study provided positive evidence to support PM training in older adults. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms by which PM training exerts its effects, and better-quality RCTs are needed to provide more robust evidence supporting our findings.

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Memory specificity training can improve working and prospective memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Cited by 10 publications

References 30 publications

Positive memory intervention techniques: a scoping review

Positive memory intervention techniques: a scoping review

A meta-analysis and systematic review of Memory Specificity Training (MeST) in the treatment of emotional disorders

Prospective Memory Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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