Autobiographical Cerebral Network Activation in Older Adults Before and After Reminiscence Therapy: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Introduction Reminiscence therapy (RT), which engages individuals to evoke positive memories, has been shown to be effective in improving psychological well-being in older adults suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, its impact on brain function has yet to be determined. This paper presents functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to describe changes in autobiographical memory networks (AMN) in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This pilot study used a within-subject design to measure changes in AMN activation in 11 older adults who underwent 6 weeks of RT. In the scanner, participants retrieved autobiographical memories which were either recent or remote, rehearsed or unrehearsed. Participants also underwent a clinical interview to assess changes in memory, quality of life, mental health, and affect. Findings Compared to pretreatment, anxiety decreased (z = −2.014, p = .040) and activated significant areas within the AMN, including bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, left precuneus, right occipital cortex, and left anterior hippocampus. Conclusion Although RT had subtle effects on psychological function in this sample with no evidence of impairments, including depression at baseline, the fMRI data support current thinking of the effect RT has on the AMN. Increased activation of right posterior hippocampus following RT is compatible with the Multiple Trace Theory Theory (Nadel & Moscovitch, 1997).

Personalized Daily Hand Movement Training Methods and Effects: A Case Study

“…Its principle is to activate the posterior hippocampus by triggering memories of early autobiographical events or collective historical highlights, thereby reducing anxiety, loneliness, and stress. This, in turn, evokes positive emotions, self-esteem, social interaction, a sense of achievement, and happiness, ultimately enhancing life satisfaction and having a positive impact on physical health [36,37]. Reminiscence Therapy has been widely applied in the treatment of dementia, depression, and cognitive disorders in the elderly.…”