TITLE:
Memory Training and Task Specificity in 90-99-Year-Old Seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairment
AUTHORS:
Peter A. Magaro, Bruce Brotter, Mariyam Jalees
KEYWORDS:
Memory, Cognitive, Training, Cognition, Seniors, Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Aging Research,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
6,
2015
ABSTRACT: Managing memory deficits is a central problem among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined the effects of memory training on memory performance in an understudied “oldest-old” population ranging in age from 90 to 99 years. Eighteen mild to moderately cognitive-impaired older seniors, 90 years and older were recruited from memory clinics established in senior living communities. Treatment sessions took place, on average, twice weekly, for 55 minutes. Memory intervention included nineteen computer-based exercises customized to focus on memory loss. The specificity of memory training was very clear; memory training produced significant effects (F(3,51) = 2.81, p = 0.05) on memory performance, especially after 6 months of training, while other outcome measures showed no effects as predicted. Based on the results, it can be concluded that interventions targeting cognition and memory in the oldest-old MCI population can significantly improve memory function and reduce cognitive deficits.