Long-term effects of memory training in the elderly: a longitudinal study

The effects of different types of memory training in young and older adults reported in a previous study [Cavallini, E., Pagnin, A., Vecchi, T., 2003. Aging and everyday memory: the beneficial effect of memory training. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr. 37, 241-257] were again investigated from a longitudinal perspective 2 years after the original memory training sessions. The authors retested the original participants to measure the long-term effectiveness of two mnemonic strategies: the loci technique and strategic training. Three groups of participants (13 adults, M=24.1, 13 younger elderly, M=64.2 and 13 older elderly, M=74.4) were tested using a battery of seven tasks and four questionnaires, to evaluate memory performance and metamemory variables. The three age groups and the two trainings showed similar results on memory performance. Long-term effects were found only on two memory tasks, both were highly related to everyday life showing that, without additional practice, memory performance tended to go back to the original level. Moreover, the beneficial effects of the previous training sessions were particularly evident for older adults in metamemory knowledge and for strategic training in memory complaints. Results partially support the durability of memory training in improving memory performance.     

Neural correlates of training-related memory improvement in adulthood and aging

Cognitive studies show that both younger and older adults can increase their memory performance after training in using a visuospatial mnemonic, although age-related memory deficits tend to be magnified rather than reduced after training. Little is known about the changes in functional brain activity that accompany training-induced memory enhancement, and whether age-related activity changes are associated with the size of training-related gains. Here, we demonstrate that younger adults show increased activity during memory encoding in occipito-parietal and frontal brain regions after learning the mnemonic. Older adults did not show increased frontal activity, and only those elderly persons who benefited from the mnemonic showed increased occipito-parietal activity. These findings suggest that age-related differences in cognitive reserve capacity may reflect both a frontal processing deficiency and a posterior production deficiency.     

Effects of aging, message repetition, and note-taking on memory for health information

This study investigated whether repetition improves older adults' memory for health service appointment messages delivered by automated telephone systems. Whereas imposed repetition reduces age differences in memory (Morrow, Leirer, Carver, Tanke, & McNally, 1999), the present study examined the effect of optional repetition. Both older and younger participants in Experiment 1 chose to repeat messages. More repetition, higher cognitive ability (working memory and processing speed), and younger age were associated with better memory for appointment information. The effect of age was eliminated when cognitive ability, but not repetition, was controlled. Thus, older adults used optional repetition in automated systems, but this strategy did not eliminate age differences in memory. In Experiment 2, older as well as younger adults took accurate notes and also repeated messages. Both note-taking and message repetition improved memory for the messages but did not reduce age differences. These findings suggest that older as well as younger adults use presentation strategies in automated messaging systems. Older adults may not take full advantage of these strategies, perhaps because of age-related declines in self-initiated or metacognitive processes.     

Imagery pretraining and memory training in the elderly

Two groups of elderly subjects were taught a standard mnemonic to improve a common memory complaint among elders, face-name recall. One group (imagery group) was first taught techniques to improve visual imagery ability before learning the mnemonic while the other group (control group) was taught a nonspecific method to improve attitudes before learning the mnemonic. Overall performance on face/name recall was significantly better in the imagery group than in the control group. These results may have implications for the use of imagery based mnemonics for memory training in elderly populations.     

Improving memory and control beliefs through cognitive restructuring and self-generated strategies.

Memory problems are a major source of concern among older adults. The goal of this research was to evaluate methods for improving memory performance and beliefs about memory ability and control. Men and women between the ages of 60 and 85 were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: (1) cognitive restructuring to promote adaptive beliefs about memory, (2) memory skills training, (3) combined cognitive restructuring and memory skills training, (4) practice on memory tasks, and (5) a no-contact control group. Beliefs about memory (ability and control) and memory performance (working memory, recall of text materials, categorizable word list, and names and faces) were assessed at a pretest and two posttests. As predicted, those receiving the combined treatment showed the greatest increases in their sense of control and perceived ability to improve memory. Results indicated that all groups improved equally on the memory tasks, although those who had received memory training were more likely to report at the second posttest that they had begun using new strategies for remembering things.     

Cognitive mapping and elderly adults: verbal and location memory for urban landmarks

This study provides a real-world memory task that extends the ecological validity of previous research on aging and spatial memory. Elderly individuals were found to have less accurate verbal recall of urban landmarks and location memory for landmarks than younger adults. In addition to these quantitative differences in environmental cognition, qualitative aspects of the data were explored. In order to explain the poorer memory performance of elderly adults, participants' use of a geographically based, organizational mnemonic was examined. Furthermore, discriminant analysis revealed that the elderly relied more than younger adults on certain building attributes for memory of urban landmarks. These building attributes include: high public use, high symbolic significance, naturalness of surroundings, direct access to streets, and unique architectural style.     

Effects of relaxation and mnemonics on memory, attention and anxiety in the elderly

We measured attentional capacity as 25 normal elderly subjects were trained in techniques to improve face-name recall. Techniques consisted of relaxation training and a mnemonic device. Anxiety was measured simultaneously with attentional measures. We hypothesized that our techniques would increase available memory processing capacity by improving attention and reducing anxious rumination. Results indicated that subjects showing the greatest reduction in anxiety and cognitive interference and the greatest increase in attention also showed the most face-name recall following training. The results suggest that the elderly's anxiety has a cognitive component that interferes with performance on attentional and memory tasks, but which can be reduced through relaxation training.     

Effects of relaxation and mnemonics on memory,attention and anxiety in the elderly

Abstract

We measured attentional capacity as 25 normal elderly subjects were trained in techniques to improve face-name recall. Techniques consisted of relaxation training and a mnemonic device. Anxiety was measured simultaneously with attentional measures. We hypothesized that our techniques would increase available memory processing capacity by improving attention and reducing anxious rumination. Results indicated that subjects showing the greatest reduction in anxiety and cognitive interference and the greatest increase in attention also showed the most face-name recall following training. The results suggest that the elderly's anxiety has a cognitive component that interferes with performance on attentional and memory tasks, but which can be reduced through relaxation training.     

Impact of metacognition and motivation on the efficacy of strategic memory training in older adults: analysis of specific, transfer and maintenance effects

The current study examines the contribution of a number of metacognitive and motivational variables in explaining specific, transfer and maintenance effects of a strategic memory training program, based on the use of mental imagery, in older adults. Participants were assessed before and after the training (immediately post-test, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up) on list recall (criterion) and working memory (transfer) tasks. At the pre-test, metacognition (use of strategies, belief about memory, control on memory) and motivational measures (cognitive engagement, self-efficacy) were also collected. The training produced a benefit in both the criterion and transfer tasks, which was maintained at follow-up. Some of the metacognitive and motivational measures, over and above the level of performance obtained at pre-test, predicted the gains in the objective memory measures. The findings confirmed the importance of considering the role of metacognitive attitudes of older adults in memory training activities.     

The impact of stereotype threat on age differences in memory performance

This study investigated the hypothesis that age differences in memory performance may be influenced by stereotype threat associated with negative cultural beliefs about the impact of aging on memory. Recall was examined in 48 young and 48 older adults under conditions varying in the degree of induced threat. Conditions that maximize threat resulted in lower performance in older adults relative to both younger adults and to older adults who did not experience threat. The degree to which threat affected older adults' performance increased along with the value that these individuals placed on their memory ability. Older adults' memory performance across experimental conditions was observed to covary with degree of activation of the negative aging stereotype, providing support for the hypothesized relationship between stereotype activation and performance. Finally, stereotype threat also influenced mnemonic strategy use, which in turn partially mediated the impact of threat on recall. These results emphasize the important role played by contextual factors in determining age differences in memory performance.     

Deficit in switching between functional brain networks underlies the impact of multitasking on working memory in older adults

Multitasking negatively influences the retention of information over brief periods of time. This impact of interference on working memory is exacerbated with normal aging. We used functional MRI to investigate the neural basis by which an interruption is more disruptive to working memory performance in older individuals. Younger and older adults engaged in delayed recognition tasks both with and without interruption by a secondary task. Behavioral analysis revealed that working memory performance was more impaired by interruptions in older compared with younger adults. Functional connectivity analyses showed that when interrupted, older adults disengaged from a memory maintenance network and reallocated attentional resources toward the interrupting stimulus in a manner consistent with younger adults. However, unlike younger individuals, older adults failed to both disengage from the interruption and reestablish functional connections associated with the disrupted memory network. These results suggest that multitasking leads to more significant working memory disruption in older adults because of an interruption recovery failure, manifest as a deficient ability to dynamically switch between functional brain networks.     

Effects of a cognitive rehabilitation program based on mnemonic skills and memory compensatory strategies for older adults: A pilot study

Background:With the aging of the population, the number of people with age-related memory complaints has also increased. The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive rehabilitation program based on mnemonic skills and memory compensatory strategies (CRM) and to investigate the effects of CRM in community-dwelling older adults without dementia.Methods:This study was an open-label, single-arm, pilot study. We developed a CRM program comprising 8 weekly sessions. The study participants consisted of older adults with normal cognitive function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). They were recruited from eight dementia counseling centers and one senior welfare center. To assess the effects of CRM, we administered the following tests at baseline and after completion of the program: Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, the Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale, the Euro Quality of life–5 Dimension, and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.Results:Thirty-two participants completed the study. Among older adults with normal cognitive function, CRM showed significant improvement in verbal memory function. Among the older adults with MCI, CRM showed significant improvements in language ability, verbal recognition memory, nonverbal memory, attention, and processing speed.Conclusion:CRM improved cognitive function in two distinct populations, older adults with normal cognitive function and older adults with MCI. Additionally, our preliminary findings suggest that older adults with MCI show cognitive improvement in both the trained and non-trained cognitive domains.     

Influence of other-beliefs on self-beliefs and on everyday memory self-report in the elderly

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elderly people tend to evaluate their memory functioning pessimistically and have a decrease in self-efficacy beliefs associated with an attributional style which relies mainly on uncontrollable causes. This pattern may be significantly influenced by the caregivers evaluations of self-efficacy beliefs and attributional style of the elderly. This study compares older and younger adults with respect to everyday memory self-assessment, self-efficacy beliefs and attributional style, and examines the relationships between everyday memory self-assessment, self-evaluations, and evaluations by significant others as regards elderly self-efficacy beliefs, attributional style, and everyday memory. METHODS: 100 older, 100 younger, and 100 middle-aged adults were required to complete questionnaires aimed at assessing everyday memory, attributional style, and self-efficacy beliefs. The group of middle-aged adults was asked to complete questionnaires aimed at assessing the perceived efficacy and attributional style of the older and younger participants. RESULTS: Data indicate that, unlike younger adults, the elderly negatively evaluate their everyday memory, have an attributional style mainly characterized by uncontrollable factors, and have less confidence in their memory. A structural equation model shows that the opinions of the significant others (relatives or medical staff) as regards the perceived efficacy and attributional style of elderly people affect their self-efficacy and attributional style which, in turn, influence everyday self-reported memory efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the central role of metamemory in everyday memory evaluation in the elderly, and stress the importance of what significant others think as regards the elderly person in question. From a practical point of view, it makes an important contribution to intervention and prevention programs involving people in close contact with the elderly, by suggesting ways in which significant others can help in optimizing the ability of older people to meet the challenges of aging successfully.     

The effects of age, glucose ingestion and gluco-regulatory control on episodic memory

BACKGROUND: Previous research has been inconclusive regarding the impact of glucose ingestion and gluco-regulatory control on cognitive performance in healthy older adults. The aim of this research was to determine whether glucose specifically enhanced episodic memory in an older population. In addition, the link between individual differences in glucose regulation and the magnitude of the enhancement effect was examined. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A within subjects, counterbalanced, crossover design was used with 20 participants (60-80 year olds), each serving as his/her control. METHODS: Episodic memory was tested by presenting unrelated paired associates followed by immediate and delayed cued recall, and delayed recognition, under single and dual task conditions. In addition, a battery of cognitive tests was administered, including tests of semantic memory, working memory and speed of processing. RESULTS: Glucose ingestion was found to largely facilitate performance of episodic memory. Furthermore, subsidiary analyses found that gluco-regulatory efficiency predicted episodic memory performance in both control and glucose conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A boost in performance after glucose ingestion was particularly seen in the episodic memory domain. Notably, strong evidence was provided for the utility of gluco-regulatory control measures as indicators of cognitive decline in the elderly.     

The effect of mnemonic training on perceived recall confidence in the elderly

This study examined the effects of memory training on the relationship between perceived recall confidence and recall performance. The sample consisted of 76 elderly, community dwelling volunteers. Fifty-nine individuals received eight hours of memory training; the remaining 17 were wait-list controls. Participants were tested at pre- and post-intervention, and rated their confidence for recall of name-face pairs prior to each testing. The results showed a significant improvement in name-face recall at post test, favoring the group receiving mnemonic training. There was a significant association found between confidence ratings and recall performance at post-test. A closer examination of standardized regression residuals (confidence ratings and number of name-face pairs recalled) revealed that with mnemonic training, there was an improvement in the relationship between perceived confidence and recall performance following mnemonic training. The results suggest that the ability to assess changes in recall capacity and to judge future memory performance is enhanced by exposure to mnemonic training.     

Text comprehension, cognitive resources and aging

Aging brings cognitive changes. Language is not immune to these changes. The use of compensation strategies may permit older adults to achieve a performance level identical to the one obtained by younger adults. This research aims to study text comprehension in aging and the reading strategies used for by older and younger adults. Kintsch's cognitive model (1988) allows the identification of different levels of representation within text treatment (linguistic form, macrostructure, microstructure and situation model) and predicts the underlying cognitive components. Eye-tracking analyses during reading permit inference about the moments of reading treatment and detection of reading strategies. Sixty highly educated participants were assessed. They were divided in two age groups (20-40 and 60-80 years old). Participants were asked to read and understand three texts constructed to highlight the features of text comprehension within each one of the different levels of text representation. The amount of detail and the necessity of updating the situation model varied for each text. Eye movements were registered by an eye-tracker (Cambridge research) during the reading process. Specific complementary tasks were administered to evaluate working memory, long-term memory, and executive functions. Variances analyses showed significantly lower performance by older adults regarding: 1) recall of the microstructure of the two texts with a high degree of detail, 2) macrostructure of the text with fewer details, and 3) performance on all tasks that evaluated cognitive components. Aging influenced treatment of levels of text representation depending on text characteristics. However, cluster analysis of the text comprehension and eye-tracker data revealed a group of older adults whose performance in reading comprehension was identical to the performance of younger adults, with the same reading profile. This result seems to show that use of compensation strategies by older adults at the onset of signs of cognitive deterioration is not necessary in reading.     

The influence of a cognitive stimulation program on the quality of life perception among the elderly

There is an undeniable concern among the elderly about the mental changes they experience as they grow older. In general, the elderly tend to regard mental deterioration as a pathological condition, however these changes should be considered inherent in the aging process and in the last few years cognitive stimulation programs have been developed in order to address these concerns among the elderly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of a cognitive training program on 53 subjects with age-related memory loss. The results of cognitive performance have been compared with a control group consisting of 51 subjects with no cognitive training. Moreover, this research analyses the relationship between cognitive changes and the variation in the perceived quality of life of the elderly people in both groups. The results show significant changes in the test group, demonstrating improved cognitive performance and quality of life perception.     

Reliance on visible speech cues during multimodal language processing: individual and age differences

The current study demonstrates that when a strong inhibition process is invoked during multimodal (auditory-visual) language understanding: older adults perform worse than younger adults, visible speech does not benefit language-processing performance, and individual differences in measures of working memory for language do not predict performance. In contrast, in a task that does not invoke inhibition: adult age differences in performance are not obtained, visible speech benefits language performance, and individual differences in working memory predict performance. The results offer support for a framework for investigating multimodal language processing that incorporates assumptions about general information processing, individual differences in working memory capacity, and adult cognitive aging.     

Measuring everyday memory in elderly people: a preliminary study

The effectiveness of a short test of everyday memory in discriminating memory ability of independently living and of partially dependent elderly people has been investigated. Results indicate that overall test performance is significantly different in the two groups but that not all individual items discriminate equally well. The test as a whole correlates well with a standard cognitive screening test but it also contains items for abilities not measured in the general test, notably visuo-spatial memory. In addition, it appears to provide a more sensitive measure of memory function when general cognitive decline is minimal.     

情节记忆年老化及其与焦虑的关系

目的：探讨情节记忆年老化的选择性及其变异性与焦虑之间的关系。方法：筛选老年和青年高、低特质焦虑者完成记忆任务。以20个动宾词组为记忆的内容,以听或做动作为记忆的来源。结果：（1）老年组来源记忆和内容记忆均显著差于青年组。但并未发现来源记忆比内容记忆对年老化更为敏感;（2）实验情境诱发的焦虑情绪干扰了老年组记忆操作,但对青年组没有不利影响,甚至促进其条件性来源记忆成绩。结论：（1）相对于内容记忆而言,来源记忆年老化并不存在选择性受损;（2）焦虑与情节记忆年老化的变异性存在联系,提示采取情绪干预可能会改善老年记忆功能。