Comparing the efficiency of eight-session versus four-session memory intervention for older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Reduced treatment durations are desirable for cost-effectiveness and participant adherence.
• Memory interventions for elders often involve multiple sessions, potentially increasing costs and reducing engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of shortening a memory intervention for elders from eight to four sessions.
• To compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a reduced-length memory intervention.

Main Methods:

• A memory intervention originally designed for eight sessions was adapted to four sessions.
• Outcomes were assessed using self-reported measures and performance-based tests of memory and daily living activities.
• Cost-effectiveness was analyzed by comparing intervention costs with observed gains.

Main Results:

• Shortening the intervention to four sessions had minimal impact on self-reported memory and daily living activities.
• Performance measures also showed little difference between the eight-session and four-session groups.
• Both intervention lengths yielded small to moderate positive changes, with the eight-session group showing slightly greater memory performance gains at a higher cost.

Conclusions:

• A four-session memory intervention is a viable, more cost-effective alternative to an eight-session program for elders.
• Further research should explore variations in intervention components and diverse participant samples to optimize memory interventions.