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Updated: May 31, 2026
07:01
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
[Semantic memory training in Alzheimer's disease]
Amandine Goudour1, Séverine Samson, Serge Bakchine
1Service de neurologie & CMRR Champagne-Ardenne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims.
Summary
Semantic stimulation improved semantic memory in Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) significantly impairs semantic memory.
- Targeted semantic training may benefit AD patients.
- Previous studies identified deficits in specific semantic categories in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of semantic stimulation on semantic memory in Alzheimer's patients.
- To compare semantic stimulation with psychological support for cognitive enhancement in AD.
- To investigate the effectiveness of training specific semantic categories (musical instruments, human actions).
Main Methods:
- Ten Alzheimer's patients (MMSE 17-26) were divided into experimental (semantic training) and control (psychological support) groups.
- Semantic training focused on musical instruments and human actions.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used for patient characterization.
Main Results:
- The experimental group showed significant improvements in semantic abilities after training.
- Improvement was observed specifically after semantic stimulation involving musical instruments.
- No item-specific improvement was found, suggesting a general increase in semantic retrieval or a motivational effect.
Conclusions:
- Semantic stimulation, particularly with engaging categories like musical instruments, can enhance semantic memory in Alzheimer's patients.
- The observed improvements may stem from a general boost in semantic retrieval rather than category-specific gains.
- Findings suggest potential for tailored cognitive interventions in Alzheimer's care, warranting further research into motivational factors.
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