Evaluation of rehabilitation of memory in neurological disabilities (ReMiND): a randomized controlled trial

The evidence for the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation is inconclusive. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two group memory rehabilitation programmes with a self-help group control.

Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Participants with memory problems following traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis were recruited from community settings.

Participants were randomly allocated, in cohorts of four, to compensation or restitution group treatment programmes or a self-help group control. All programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual and ten weekly group sessions.

Memory functions, mood, and activities of daily living were assessed at baseline and five and seven months after randomization.

There were 72 participants (mean age 47.7, SD 10.2 years; 32 men). There was no significant effect of treatment on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (P = 0.97). At seven months the mean scores were comparable (restitution 36.6, compensation 41.0, self-help 44.1). However, there was a significant difference between groups on the Internal Memory Aids Questionnaire (P = 0.002). The compensation and restitution groups each used significantly more internal memory aids than the self-help group (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on measures of mood, adjustment and activities of daily living (P > 0.05).

There results show few statistically significant effects of either compensation or restitution memory group treatment as compared with a self-help group control. Further randomized trials of memory rehabilitation are needed.