The impact of memory-strategy training interventions on participant-reported outcomes in healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A number of memory-strategy training interventions have been developed to target and reduce the impact of normal age-related memory decline. Most outcome studies to date have used objective memory measures to evaluate the efficacy of such interventions. Participant-reported outcomes, well-suited to capture the extent to which such interventions address the expressed concerns of aging persons, have been less closely examined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether memory-strategy training interventions improve participant-reported outcomes in healthy older adults with age-related memory changes. Of 536 identified articles, a total of 18 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria for the review, and 15 of these provided relevant data to include in the meta-analyses. A systematic risk of bias assessment identified common problems with recruitment and masking procedures. Results from the meta-analyses indicate that memory interventions produce positive effects on several participant-reported outcomes, including improvements in perceived memory ability, memory self-efficacy, strategy use, memory-related affect, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Memory-strategy training interventions have a meaningful perceived impact on healthy older adults experiencing age-related memory changes. Future research utilizing stronger study designs (e.g., masking participants and study staff) and more closely investigating everyday functional impact is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).