Memory-Focused Interventions for People With Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
International Journal of Nursing Studies
Yang, H. L., Chan, P. T., et al. (2018).
International Journal of Nursing Studies, 78, 44-51.
This meta-analysis investigates the effects of memory-focused interventions on memory and cognitive outcomes (e.g., memory function, immediate/delayed recall, global cognitive decline) in individuals with cognitive disorders, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia.
Not stated
Up to May 2017
Quantitative randomized controlled trials
27
<p>Subgroup analysis revealed that memory training (i.e., direct strategy training; a medium-to-large effect, Hedges' g= 0.66) did not have significantly greater outcomes than memory rehabilitation (i.e., therapies designed to improve overall ability to engage in activities of daily life; a medium effect; Hedges' g=0.55) for people with MCI or dementia overall. The following findings for memory training:</p>
<ul>
<li>learning and memory function: a medium-to-large effect (Hedges' g = 0.66);</li>
<li>subjective memory performance: a medium-to-large effect (Hedges' g = 0.76);</li>
<li>depression: a medium-to-large effect (Hedges' g = −0.85);</li>
<li>delayed recall: a small-to-medium effect (Hedges' g = 0.42);</li>
<li>global cognitive function: a small-to-medium effect (Hedges' g = 0.51); and</li>
<li>immediate Recall: a small effect (Hedges' g = 0.26).</li>
</ul>
<p>No significant effect of memory training was noted for recognition. Following memory rehabilitation, significant effects were noted for learning and memory function (a medium-to-large effect, Hedges' g = 0.55), subjective memory performance (a medium-to-large effect, Hedges' g = 0.62), and delayed recall (a small-to-medium effect, Hedges' g = 0.36).</p>
<p>No significant effects of memory rehabilitation were noted for immediate recall, recognition, global cognitive function, or depression.</p>
<p>Overall, the findings suggest that memory-focused interventions (i.e., memory training or memory rehabilitation) were effective for improving the memory performance of individuals with MCI and dementia. Specific effects were as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>learning and memory function: a medium-to-large effect (Hedges' g = 0.62);</li>
<li>subjective memory performance: a medium-to-large effect (Hedges' g = 0.67);</li>
<li>delayed recall: a small-to-medium effect (Hedges' g= 0.40);</li>
<li>immediate recall: a small effect (Hedges' g= 0.25); and</li>
<li>depression: a medium effect (Hedges' g= 0.51).</li>
</ul>
<p>Based on results of the Multi-Factorial Memory Questionnaire, improvements were noted on the Contentment Hedges' g = 0.76) and Strategy (Hedges' g= 0.72) subtests, while no significant change was noted for the Ability subtest. No significant effects were noted for recognition, global cognitive function. Positive, but statistically insignificant effects were noted for individual sessions, shorter sessions, more total sessions, and more frequent sessions. Further research is indicated due to heterogeneity between studies.</p>
