Six-Year Training Improves Everyday Memory in Healthy Older People. Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Everyday memory of older persons does not improve with intensive memory training programs. This study proposes a change in these programs based on a time-extended and massive intervention format.Design and Methods: The sample of 1007 healthy older persons (mean age 71.85; SD = 5.12) was randomized into 2 groups. The experimental group followed an extended 6 years of training (192 sessions over 192 weeks) whereas the control group received an intensive training (3 sessions per week for a total of 32 sessions in 11 weeks). The program included cognitive and emotional content whose effects were assessed with the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) and with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Both groups were evaluated initially, after 32 sessions, and again after 6 years.Results: The relative improvements measured with Blom’s derivative showed that everyday memory and mental status of the experimental group were significantly better both in the short (Δ% 8.31 in RBMT and Δ% 1.51 in MMSE) and in the long term (Δ% 12.54 in RBMT and Δ% 2.56 in MMSE). For everyday memory and mental level, the overall gain estimate representing the mean difference in pre-post change between time-extended and intensive groups was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.13–0.40) and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.40–0.67), respectively. Time-extended programs have significantly improved everyday memory in contrast with the usual intensive programs whose effects decay with time. There are also significant increases in mental level scores while daily life functionality is preserved in all subjects who completed the training.Implications: These results suggest that it is possible to preserve everyday memory in the long term with continuous training and practice. Massive and time-extended formats may contribute in the future to a paradigm shift in memory programs for healthy older people.

The use of commercial computerised cognitive games in older adults: a meta-analysis

“…Another approach is to maintain the training over a long period. In a large scale study including 1,007 healthy older adults, the authors compared a short term intervention (32 sessions over a period of 11 weeks) and a long term intervention (192 sessions over 192 weeks) 45 . The added value of the long term intervention was that the participants had significantly improved everyday memory in contrast with the short term intensive programs whose effects decay with time.…”

Effects of golf training on cognition in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

“…A systematic review revealed that computerised cognitive training improved non-verbal memory, verbal memory, working memory, processing speed and visuospatial skills in older adults, with small to moderate effect sizes 35. In addition, a randomised controlled trial reported that a time-extended 6-year program was associated with significantly greater improvements in memory than an 11-week intensive programme, and that the effects of the latter tended to decay over time 36. These results suggest that cognitive training can improve memory function, and that continued training is required to maintain these improvements.…”

Evidence for Narrow Transfer after Short-Term Cognitive Training in Older Adults

“…While this is a reasonable dosage in comparison to many studies (e.g., the ACTIVE trial), cognitive intervention effects may require similar engagement over many months or years to provide protection against cognitive decline. Almost no studies to date have examined the effect of long-term engagement in cognitive training (see Requena et al, 2016 ; for an exception). Studies such as ours, typical of the field, test whether or not there may be a “quick fix” provided by cognitive training.…”