Mnemonic strategy training improves memory for object location associations in both healthy elderly and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, single-blind study.

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of mnemonic strategy training versus a matched-exposure control condition and also to examine the relationship between training-related gains, neuropsychological abilities, and medial temporal lobe volumetrics in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and age-matched healthy controls. Methods Twenty-three of 45 screened healthy controls and 29 of 42 screened aMCI were randomized to mnemonic strategy or matched-exposure groups. Groups were run in parallel, with participants blind to the other intervention. All participants completed five sessions within two weeks. Memory testing for object-location associations was performed during sessions one and five and at a one-month follow-up. During sessions 2–4, participants received either mnemonic strategy training or a matched number of exposures with corrective feedback for a total of 45 object-location associations. Structural MRI was performed in most participants and medial temporal lobe volumetrics were acquired. Results Twenty-one healthy controls and 28 aMCI patients were included in data analysis. Mnemonic strategy training was significantly more beneficial than matched-exposure immediately after training, p =.006, pη2 = .16, and at one month, p<.001, pη2 = .35, regardless of diagnostic group (healthy controls or aMCI). Although aMCI patients demonstrated gains comparable to the healthy control groups, their overall performance generally remained reduced. Mnemonic strategy-related improvement was positively correlated with baseline memory and executive functioning and negatively with inferior lateral ventricle volume in aMCI patients; no significant relationships were evident in matched-exposure patients. Conclusions Mnemonic strategies effectively improve memory for specific content for at least one month in aMCI.

Cognitive Rehabilitation of Memory for Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Methodological Review and Model for Future Research

“…The third problem with using cutoff scores for cognitive rehabilitation research is that they fail to recognize the (Hampstead, Sathian, Phillips, Amaraneni, Delaune, & Stringer, 2012). Our data suggest that training is appropriate for those with ''early'' MCI whereas improvement following mere repeated exposure (without strategy use) was unrelated to any cognitive or volumetric variable, suggesting it is appropriate for any stage of MCI.…”

Maintaining older brain functionality: A targeted review

“…Cognitive training interventions based on repetitive practice on cognitive processes have been effective in improving the trained process but not so much for other untrained cognitive functions (Ball et al, , 2007Hampstead et al, 2012;Mozolic et al, 2011). Some clinical trials, however, have shown transfer to other domains different than that of the trained exercises (Cheng et al, 2012;Mahncke et al, 2006;Oswald et al, 2006;Richmond et al, 2011;Willis et al, 2006).…”

“…A recent review outlined the main characteristics of cognitive rehabilitation versus cognitive training. Other researchers refer to this set of interventions based on mental stimulation as brain training (Buitenweg et al, 2012), cognitive exercise (Gates and Valenzuela, 2010) or cognitive rehabilitation (Hampstead et al, 2008(Hampstead et al, , 2012Stuss et al, 2007;Winocur et al, 2007). In our technological society, computer-based training programs and video games have attracted researchers' attention as possible tools for improving and/or maintaining perceptual and cognitive functions in older adults.…”

“…Some training programs have been effective in improving older adults' cognitive performance in memory tasks (e.g., Craik et al, 2007;Hampstead et al, 2012;Smith et al, 2009) and other cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, reasoning, processing speed, cognitive control and dual-task switching (Anguera et al, 2013;Berry et al, 2010;Bherer et al, 2006;Edwards et al, 2005;Erickson et al, 2007;Mozolic et al, 2011).…”

Why Branding Permanente Matters

“…Group teaching of visual memory strategies have been successful in helping people recall placement of objects in their homes. 67 Increasingly, group efforts are being implemented, including a two-week intensive program offered through the Mayo clinic, as well as "Cogs Clubs" and "Memory Cafes," both grassroots movements that meet standards for clinically relevant interventions. 68 There is increasing literature on the benefits of socializing in groups and interpersonal learning as a mechanism of change.…”