Thanks for the Memories: Effectiveness of a Memory Training Programme for Older Adults

Abstract

Some types of memory appear to decline with age, potentially affecting the efficiency with which older adults complete complex tasks of daily life. A recent body of research has addressed potential modifiable factors that might bolster memory against the effects of ageing. Memory training appears to hold promise but research findings to date are mixed with regard to producing positive training effects in older adults and generalisation of these effects to everyday life. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) are needed to clarify the benefits of targeted memory training, with well-matched control conditions to ensure benefits are greater than placebo effects. This study investigated the effectiveness of Memory Tune, a memory training programme developed in New Zealand for older adults. This programme utilises a combined approach of strategy, practice, and psychoeducation to target six subtypes of memory that appear to be agesensitive: prospective memory, face recognition memory, working memory, short-term, verbal and non-verbal memory. To assess the effectiveness of Memory Tune, a double-blind RCT was conducted, in which participants were randomised to Memory Tune (n = 16), Cognitive Stimulation (active control; n = 15) or Waitlist (passive control, n = 28) conditions. Waitlist participants were subsequently randomised to either Memory Tune or Cognitive Stimulation. Change in memory performance was assessed with pre-post testing, on a battery of memory tests and a subjective memory measure. Training effects were found for non-verbal immediate recall compared to both the active and passive control tasks. Relative to the passive control group, Memory Tune was also associated with greater improvement on the working memory task and the short-term memory longest digit string measure. Memory Tune showed overall superiority over the active control condition on a composite memory score. Findings suggest that non-verbal and working memory improve with Memory Tune training. These may be forms of memory for which people are less likely to have pre-existing memory strategies, enabling detection of more significant gains than for other types of memory. Study limitations and possible augmentation for future iterations of Memory Tune are considered. Overall, this study adds to the literature in support of memory training for older adults.