Improving older adults' autobiographical memory through video-conferencing intervention during COVID-19

Autobiographical memory (AM) is valuable not only as an indicator of mental health and cognitive function, but also as a target of therapeutic intervention for older adults. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for online psychosocial interventions and assessment services has sharply increased. Thus, the present study examined the effectiveness of videoconferencing AM (vAM) intervention using the Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) method in addition to the traditional paper-and-pencil assessment among samples of community dwelling older adults.

Twenty-seven older adults (aged 66-86 years) participated in a vAM intervention composed of 4 weekly 90-min sessions. The primary outcome was AM specificity, with secondary outcomes as depressive symptom and cognitive function, measured before and after the intervention. In addition, daily emotions were measured through EMA over 4 weeks of intervention. The EMA data were analyzed using a multilevel analysis.

The results showed low dropout rates (7%) and high EMA response rates (85%). Autobiographical memory specificity increased (Cohen's d = 0.678), and the level of depression declined significantly (Cohen's d = 0.375) after the program. Additionally, measures assessing cognitive function, such as Seoul Verbal Learning Test and DSC (Digit Symbol Coding), showed significant improvements. The EMA results indicated a decrease in the intensity and proportion of negative emotions experienced during the program.

This study is the first to utilize videoconferencing and EMA to deliver an AM intervention targeting older adults. The intervention was effective in improving mental health and cognitive function, including AM in older adults. Additionally, EMA was found to be a feasible tool for use in older adults.