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Memory training and drug therapy act differently on memory and metamemory functioning: evidence from a pilot study
L P De Vreese1, M Neri, R Boiardi
1University of Modena, Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Estense, Viale Vittorio Veneto 9, l-41100 Modena, Italy.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Drug therapy with pramiracetam significantly improved objective memory in healthy elderly individuals. Combining pramiracetam drug therapy (DT) with memory training (MT) showed the greatest gains, outperforming memory training alone.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Age-related memory decline affects healthy elderly individuals.
- Objective memory and subjective metamemory are crucial for daily functioning.
- Interventions like drug therapy and memory training may mitigate memory loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of pramiracetam drug therapy (DT) and memory training (MT) on objective and subjective memory.
- To assess the combined effect of drug therapy and memory training (DTMT) versus individual interventions and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five healthy elderly participants were randomized into four groups: MT, DT, DTMT, and Control (CTR).
- The DT and DTMT groups received pramiracetam.
- Participants underwent 12 weekly 1.5-hour tutor-guided memory training sessions (MT and DTMT groups).
- Objective and subjective memory were assessed before and after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- Objective memory improvements were significantly greater in groups receiving pramiracetam (DT and DTMT) compared to MT and CTR groups.
- The order of decreasing score improvements was DTMT > DT > MT > CTR.
- Metamemory showed only a trend towards between-group differences, with opposing patterns in DT and DTMT groups.
- Depression levels negatively interfered with metamemory but not objective memory performance in the DT group.
Conclusions:
- Pramiracetam drug therapy is effective in enhancing objective memory performance in healthy older adults.
- Combined drug therapy and memory training yield the most substantial improvements in objective memory.
- The relationship between memory, metamemory, and affective status is complex and differentially influenced by drug therapy and memory training.
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