The Effects of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Subjective Memory Complaints: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) in the absence of psychiatric or neurological disorders are common among older adults. Although increasing numbers of individuals are suffering from SMC, research into interventions alleviating SMC is sparse. The present systematic review was conducted in order to present a clearer picture of the quality, quantity and outcomes of SMC intervention research. Methods: PubMed and PsychInfo were searched with a comprehensive search string delivering 4,496 hits. Abstracts and – if applicable – full texts of these studies were screened by independent raters according to predefined criteria. Fourteen relevant studies were included in the review. The categories of intervention were: conventional memory training (MT; n = 8), expectancy change (EC: cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, etc.; n = 5), combined interventions (n = 5), physical training (n = 1), and physical and mental training combined (n = 2). The outcomes were: subjective memory measures, objective memory, depressive symptoms and well-being. Results: EC, followed by combined interventions, was most efficient in influencing subjective memory. MT or physical and mental training combined were not efficient. On objective memory, MT was the only efficient intervention. No effects were found on depressive symptoms and well-being, with low numbers of studies in these comparisons. Conclusion: EC seems to be most efficient in influencing SMC, whereas in objective memory MT is the only effective intervention. Depressive symptoms or well-being do not seem to be influenced significantly by any of the interventions. To date, the number of high-quality publications on SMC interventions is relatively low. More randomized controlled trials including measures of depressive symptoms and well-being are needed.

Perceptions of memory problems are more important in predicting distress in older adults with subjective memory complaints than coping strategies

“…Likewise, perceptions of low treatment control of SMCs may reflect the lack of knowledge of interventions available for memory problems such as memory retraining and cognitive restructuring (Metternich et al, 2010) rather than a negative belief about the efficacy of treatments. Timeline acute/chronic, timeline stability/decline, treatment control and illness coherence were not associated with distress.…”

Cognitive Interventions Targeting Subjective Cognitive Complaints

“…1 Despite being heterogeneously defined and assessed, 2 the concept of SCCs has growingly attracted clinical and research interest in the field of dementias and cognitive disorders for several reasons. First, SCCs represent a common condition in the general population.…”

“…14,15 Thus, a growing consensus has been reached which indicates SCCs as a ''promising'' stage for planning and implementing preventive interventions with the aim of reducing the incidence of cognitive disorders. 1,5 In this regard, dementia preventive trials are increasingly enrolling individuals with subjective complaints as target populations. 16,17 The implementation of preventive strategies requires specific adaptations, mainly due to the larger population to target.…”

“…22 A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at examining available evidence on the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions for individuals with SCCs was recently published. 1 Overall, the authors noted a generally low methodological quality of available trials in the field. Moreover, the tested interventions were found to be differently effective at improving both subjective and objective cognitive performance.…”

Intelligence moderates the benefits of strategy instructions on memory performance: an adult-lifespan examination

“…Developing effective interventions targeting compensatory mechanisms for agingrelated memory decline is therefore important. In a literature review, Metternich, Kosch, Kriston, Harter, and Hull (2010) concluded that compensatory cognitive training, aimed at acquiring and applying memory strategies, is effective in older adults. Whether this type of strategy training is particularly effective for older adults with a higher or lower CR should be investigated in further research.…”