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Efficacy of a group memory training method for older adults based on visualization and association techniques: A randomized, controlled trial with a placebo group
Author(s) -
Latorre Postigo José Miguel,
HernándezViadel José Vicente,
Trives Jorge Javier Ricarte
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
applied cognitive psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.719
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1099-0720
pISSN - 0888-4080
DOI - 10.1002/acp.1596
Subject(s) - psychology , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , placebo , cognition , placebo group , clinical psychology , physical therapy , medicine , psychiatry , alternative medicine , surgery , pathology
The aim of this trial has been to determine the efficacy of a group memory training method. The experimental group was compared to a placebo group (health education) or to a control group (waiting list). Forty‐five adults between the ages of 60 and 70 years ( M = 66.9) were recruited by placing notices in senior citizen community centres, which encouraged people with memory problems to participate in the study. Data were collected at baseline, 1 week, and 6 months after the intervention. The efficacy of the training was evaluated by measures of objective and subjective everyday memory performance. After intervention, the experimental group participants showed an increase in objective memory performance ( d = 1.95). The effect size was even higher at 6 months after intervention ( d = 2.88). Further, their subjective experience related to everyday memory slips decreased ( d = −0.52). The memory training method was effective in improving everyday memory in older people with some cognitive decline. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.