Face-name memory training in subjective memory decline: how does office-based training translate to everyday...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Gerontology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Subjective memory decline (SMD) affects many older adults.
• Effective interventions for SMD are crucial for maintaining independence.
• Understanding the transfer of memory training to real-world settings is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if individuals with SMD benefit from face-name memory training compared to older adult controls.
• To assess the effectiveness of single-session memory training in office-based versus naturalistic settings.
• To identify factors influencing the translation of memory training benefits to everyday life.

Main Methods:

• A single-session face-name memory training intervention was administered.
• Participants included older adults with and without subjective memory decline (SMD).
• Training conditions included spaced retrieval, semantic association, and a control group. Assessments were conducted in office and naturalistic settings.

Main Results:

• In the office setting, both spaced retrieval and semantic association training improved memory for cued names, with spaced retrieval also benefiting uncued names.
• No significant group differences or training effects were observed in the naturalistic setting.
• Demographics, cognitive function, and motivation predicted performance in naturalistic settings.

Conclusions:

• Simple memory strategies can enhance face-name recall for older adults, including those with SMD, in controlled office environments.
• The transfer of memory training benefits to naturalistic settings is challenging and may necessitate interventions to boost motivation.
• Further research is needed to optimize memory interventions for real-world application.