Coping strategies for memory problems in everyday life of people with cognitive impairment and older adults: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives Dealing with memory loss is a major challenge for older people. Coping strategies for memory problems could enable cognitively impaired people to live independently for longer. We conducted a systematic review to summarize evidence on coping strategies for older people and people with cognitive impairment to stabilize everyday life functioning. Methods We systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus and WebofScience using a well‐defined search string. Studies were included if they were published between January 1990 and February 2021 and written in English, German, Spanish, French, or Swedish language. Two blind researchers independently checked the studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of the studies using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme—checklists. Evidence was summarized in a narrative synthesis. Results A total of 16 relevant studies with adequate quality were identified. These studies reported on three categories of strategies: external, internal, and behavioral coping strategies. External strategies included reminder systems and integrated features in the environment and were used by people with and without cognitive impairments. Internal strategies such as visualization, verbalization, active remembering, and systematic thinking were reported less often by people with cognitive impairment than those without cognitive impairment. Behavioral strategies such as reducing expectations and acceptance of support was most frequently reported by people with cognitive impairment. Conclusions The findings of our systematic review show a great number of coping strategies, which seem to depend on cognitive status. Appropriate training tools incorporating these strategies should be developed.

Usability of a memory aid handbook for older people with subjective cognitive impairment—An explorative pilot study

“…Based on a systematic review of coping strategies for memory problems in everyday life, 19 the memory aid handbook was developed. The memory strategies that were identified in the systematic review were elaborated thematically by explaining their functioning and applicability in daily life, and by providing examples and illustrations.…”

“…Therefore, providing older people with strategies developed by others in similar situations could be a valuable support. In light of this, a systematic review 19 was conducted to identify self‐reported memory strategies, which were then compiled into an evidence‐based memory aid handbook, following a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science using a well‐defined search string. Two researchers independently checked the studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated their quality using CASP‐checklists.…”

Effects of musical mnemonics on working memory performance in cognitively unimpaired older adults and persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

“…One way to improve memory performance and reduce limitations in everyday life is by the use of mnemonics, that is, applying memory strategies in order to ameliorate memory performance, which may promote independent living in cognitively impaired persons (Ross et al, 2022). In their systematic review, Ross et al (2022) reported several compensation strategies of which the use depended on the cognitive status of the participants, ranging from internal strategies (e.g., verbalization, visualizing, repetition), external strategies (e.g., reminder systems like notes, calendars, lists) to behavioural strategies (e.g., accepting support and reducing expectations). Older adults with cognitive impairment reported the use of these behavioural strategies most frequently.…”

“…To date there is no pharmacological treatment available for MCI, while there is some evidence for possible beneficial effects of non‐pharmacological interventions (such as cognitive training or physical exercise) (Petersen et al, 2014). One way to improve memory performance and reduce limitations in everyday life is by the use of mnemonics, that is, applying memory strategies in order to ameliorate memory performance, which may promote independent living in cognitively impaired persons (Ross et al, 2022). In their systematic review, Ross et al (2022) reported several compensation strategies of which the use depended on the cognitive status of the participants, ranging from internal strategies (e.g., verbalization, visualizing, repetition), external strategies (e.g., reminder systems like notes, calendars, lists) to behavioural strategies (e.g., accepting support and reducing expectations).…”

Extending the mind to overcome cognitive impairment

“…Firstly, as the authors argue, we should indeed develop 'appropriate training tools incorporating these strategies' like visualisation and reducing expectations to help impaired adults. 1 But the authors also found that as impairment worsens and cognitive resources become less available, individuals increasingly rely on external noncognitive resources such as external memory reminders to accomplish daily tasks. This shift to external resources can be understood in light of the extended mind thesis, according to which non-cognitive environmental resources are essential to cognition.…”