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Autobiographical recall training in elderly adults with subjective memory complaint: a pilot study
Dario Grossi1, Alfredo Postiglione, Bruno Schettini
1Faculty of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Caserta, Italy. dario.grossi@unina2.it
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 15, 2007
Summary
A new autobiographical recall training improved memory self-perception in older adults with subjective memory complaints. The training did not affect depressive symptoms or overall cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Subjective memory complaint (SMC) affects elderly individuals, potentially reducing quality of life.
- SMC is a self-reported memory decline that does not typically impair daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel autobiographical recall training program.
- To determine if this training can enhance memory self-perception in elderly individuals experiencing SMC.
Main Methods:
- Seven elderly participants (mean age 65.5) with SMC were enrolled.
- Participants underwent a specific autobiographical recall training.
- Assessments included neuropsychological tests, depressive symptoms, and memory self-perception questionnaires before and after training.
Main Results:
- Memory self-perception scores significantly improved post-training.
- No significant changes were observed in depressive symptoms.
- Neuropsychological tests remained within normal limits, with a notable improvement in phonological fluency.
Conclusions:
- The autobiographical recall training shows promise for enhancing memory self-perception and metamnestic capacity in older adults with SMC.
- The training did not impact depressive symptoms in this pilot study.
- Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and enhance statistical power.
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