Effectiveness of Structured Memory Training on Cognitive Recovery in Stroke Survivors: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Cognitive Psychology
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Memory impairments are a significant consequence of stroke, impacting cognitive recovery and daily independence.
• Structured memory training presents a promising non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 14-day memory training program on stroke survivors.
• The program utilized five core strategies: repetition, association, method of loci, chunking, and attention training.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design involved 60 stroke survivors.
• Participants were allocated to a memory strategy training group or a control group.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, Second Edition (RBMT-II). Functional ability was measured by the Barthel Index.

Main Results:

• The memory training group demonstrated significant improvements in MMSE and RBMT-II scores compared to the control group.
• No significant changes were observed in functional ability as measured by the Barthel Index.

Conclusions:

• Memory training strategies effectively enhance post-stroke memory and cognitive function.
• Mnemonic-based education should be integrated into early stroke rehabilitation programs.