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The SeniorWISE study: improving everyday memory in older adults.
Graham J McDougall1, Heather Becker, Keenan Pituch
1School of Nursing, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78701, USA. gmcdougall@mail.nur.utexas.edu
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
|September 21, 2010
Summary
Memory training improved global cognition and reduced memory complaints in older adults. Minority elders showed significant gains in memory performance, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Geropsychiatric Nursing
- Cognitive Psychology
- Adult Development
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a concern for aging populations.
- Memory training and health promotion are potential interventions.
- Understanding intervention effects across diverse older adults is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare memory training with health promotion for at-risk older adults.
- To assess effects on memory self-efficacy, metamemory, performance, and daily functioning.
- To examine intervention outcomes in a diverse sample over 26 months.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial comparing memory training and health promotion.
- Longitudinal follow-up of 26 months.
- Assessment of cognitive measures, memory complaints, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Main Results:
- Memory training group showed greater gains in global cognition and fewer memory complaints.
- Both groups maintained performance on most cognitive measures and IADLs.
- Black and Hispanic participants demonstrated larger gains in some memory performance aspects compared to White participants.
Conclusions:
- Memory training offers benefits for global cognition and memory complaints in at-risk older adults.
- Intervention effects may vary across racial/ethnic groups, with minority elders showing notable gains.
- Psychosocial interventions, like memory training, can be effectively delivered by advanced practice nurses in geropsychiatric care.
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