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Nurse-Enhanced Memory Intervention in Heart Failure: the MEMOIR study
Susan J Pressler1, Barbara Therrien, Penny L Riley
1University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. spressle@umich.edu
Journal of Cardiac Failure
|October 4, 2011
Summary
Cognitive training may improve memory and daily functioning in heart failure patients. This preliminary study suggests plasticity-based interventions could help address memory loss associated with heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) frequently co-occurs with cognitive deficits, notably memory impairment.
- Cognitive dysfunction can significantly impact patients' quality of life and daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive training program, "Brain Fitness," on memory and other cognitive functions in HF patients.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and overall cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 HF patients assigned to either "Brain Fitness" or a health education control group.
- Intervention involved computerized cognitive training, with weekly home visits for monitoring by advanced practice nurses.
- Neuropsychological tests and IADL assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in delayed recall memory, total recall memory, and psychomotor speed in the intervention group.
- Patients in the cognitive training group showed enhanced performance in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
- High adherence and patient satisfaction were reported for the cognitive training intervention.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study is the first to examine the "Brain Fitness" program in heart failure patients.
- Results indicate that plasticity-based cognitive interventions may be beneficial for memory deficits in HF.
- A larger randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
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