Multistrategic Memory Training with the Metamemory Concept in Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

Objective

According to the increase of older people, the need for effective methods to maintain or improve cognitive functions in the elderly has increased. These cognitive enhancing methods may contribute to the prevention of elderly cognitive decline by aging and dementing illness as well. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of multistrategic memory training with the metamemory concept on cognitive functions in the normal health elderly in Korea.

Methods

The program used in this study was developed by psychiatrists and psychologists in accordance with Korean situations. We applied the training program to the community-dwelling elderly with subjective memory complaints. Twenty participants were randomly received the intervention with 20 non-treatment controls. This program consisted of 10 sessions and was administered once a week. We examined the effects of this memory training for verbal memory, visuospatial memory, working memory, and verbal fluency ability by repeated ANOVA.

Results

There were significant improvements in Word List Short-term Delayed Free and Cued Recall, Word list Long-term Delayed Free and Cued Recall and visuospatial recognition memory. Performance improvements in visuospatial span forwards and the Categorical Fluency Test were also significant. These improvements were still significant after adjusting for depression improvement exact categorical fluency.

Conclusion

This study shows that multistrategic memory training with the metamemory concept may improve memory ability and other cognitive functions which are not trained and that these improvements may be achieved by pure cognitive training effects.

INTRODUCTION

Memory decline is one of the most common complaints in the elderly. The frequency of subjective memory complaints (SMC) is over 50% in the Korean elderly population and causes functional impairment in daily life and a poor quality of life in later life.¹ Therefore, reduction of SMC by a cognitive training program may be beneficial to the healthy elderly.

Several cognitive training programs have been conducted in healthy older people and these cognitive training programs have shown improvements in cognitive performance.^2-6 However, these improvements have been limited to only the trained cognitive area but not to other cognitive areas^4,7 because most of these cognitive trainings have simply been focused on a single cognitive domain and a single strategy.^2,4 Moreover, many previous studies have shown that cognitive training programs improve not only cognitive functions but also depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether such improvements are due to pure improvement of cognitive functions or depressive symptoms.^8,9

In the present memory training program, we used multistrategic memory training, including a metamemory approach to overcome the limitation of previous studies. The term "metamemory" was introduced by Flavell.¹⁰ This term includes knowledge, perception, and beliefs about their own memory and the memory system.¹¹ Metamemory emphasizes on self-reflective cognitive process in learning and people's knowledge about their memory. This kind of concept was also used in the term "memory self-efficacy" as a specific dimension of metamemory.¹² Recent studies indicate that metamemory process, including memory monitoring, judgments of learning and control process, can enhance the effectiveness of learning.^13,14 Moreover, metamemory is positively associated with everyday memory performance.¹⁵ These results led us expect that knowledge about memory functioning and memory self-efficacy may permit effects on transfer near tasks and every day activities. We hypothesized that this multistrategic memory training with a metamemory approach may improve cognitive performance of untrained areas as well as memory ability and that these effects will be significant after controlling for depressive symptom improvement.

METHODS

Participants

The participants of the study were recruited from memory clinics and community-based center for dementia in Seoul. We included healthy people aged over 55 years with SMC. Two psychiatrists trained in neuropsychiatry and dementia research examined each participant according to the clinical assessment battery protocols of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD-K).^16,17 We also administered CERAD-K neuropsychological assessment, the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, short form (SGDS-K),¹⁸ and the Seoul Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.¹⁹

We excluded participants who had dementia, major psychiatric disorders, or serious medical/neurological disorders that could affect their mental functions. Two psychiatrists screened dementia and other major psychiatric disorders based on DSM-IV criteria.²⁰ All participants had adequate vision and hearing, although many wore glasses, and some required hearing aids. The study was viewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of each institution and written informed consent was obtained from each participant. We randomly allocated 20 participants each into the intervention or control group. The control group had not involved in any specific intervention related to cognitive performances. Of the 20 participants in the intervention group, 16 completed the program. Of the 20 participants in the control group, 4 were lost to follow-up.

Training program

The program used in this study is based on the metamemory concept and a multistrategic approach for the enhancement of memory. The metamemory concept has three phrases; metaknowledge, metamonitoring, and metajugement. Pour knowledge, the participants can obtain information what they believe or think about their personal memory performance and collective cognitive aging, about what works in the process of memorizing. Through monitoring, the elders obtain judgments at the metamemorial level about the knowledge or strategies. We offer the practical opportunity to find a distinction between prospective and retrospective monitoring about memory performance by applying multimemory strategies that clarifies the effect of each strategy. The program consists of a total of 10 sessions every week. Each session is comprised of 3 parts, and it takes 90 minutes to complete the session. The goal of the first part of each session is to strengthen metaknowledge, based on theoretical models of the memory process and cognitive aging. All participants were educated through visual stimuli consisting of drawings, charts and pictures provided by professional illustrators and computer graphic designers. We help the elderly understand and accept the concept of cognitive aging, suggest efficient strategies for dealing with cognitive aging and provide guidance on implementing these strategies into their daily lives. The second and third parts of each session focus on metamonitoring, metajugement, memory training via the practice of external and internal strategies. The second part consists of collective memory training, and the third part includes personal memory training. The materials used in memory training are developed through the collaboration of psychiatrists, psychologists and illustrators. The collective memory training is structured so that stimuli can be given through a computer screen. In the personal training, the problems are given on paper, emphasizing metamonitoring. Each session has a main theme based on the specific strategy designated to the session, and each theme focuses on the memory process (Table 1).

Table 1.

The contents of each session of the training program

Neuropsychological assessment

All subjects in the intervention and control groups were evaluated before the memory training (pre-test evaluation) and immediately after the memory training (post-test evaluation). The neuropsychological assessment was conducted by two clinical psychologists who did not participate in the training program. In all evaluations, evaluators were blinded to the cognitive status of each participant and group characteristics. Between the pre-test and post-test evaluation, subjects in the intervention group participated in the memory training program, but those in the control-group did not receive any type of intervention. All participants joined the program free of charge, with no financial reward for taking part in the study. The control group was selected from the waiting list for the training program.

We selected appropriate items from the Elderly Memory Disorder Scale (EMS), which was developed and standardized to the Korean population.²¹ To assess memory function, we administered the Elderly Verbal Learning Test (EVLT) and the Simple Rey Figure Test (SRFT), included in EMS. In the EVLT, 9 words from 3 categories are given, and after the patient is administered an immediate recall of the learning word list 5 times, an immediate recall of the interfering word list is administered. In addition, short-term delayed free and cued recall of the learning word lists and long-term (20 min) delayed cued recall and recognition tasks are included. In the SRFT, copying tasks, immediate recall tasks and tasks on delayed recall and recognition after 20 min are included. To evaluate attention and executive function, we used the Digit Span Test (DST), the Spatial Span Test (SST), the Phonemic Fluency Test²² and the Categorical Fluency Test (CFT).²³ The DST and SST consist of forward and backward recall. In the categorical fluency test, the patient is asked to name as many animals and fruits as possible for 1 min. In the phonemic fluency test, the patient named as many words as he can that start with 3 Korean letters for 1 min. The Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ) was used to evaluate subjective memory functioning. SMCQ includes 15 items and its higher score indicates more perceived cognitive decline. SMCQ is validated for and adapted to the Korean population.²⁴ The SGDS-K was used to evaluate depression.¹⁸

Statistical analysis

PASW 17.0 for WINDOWS was used for data analyses. A p values of <0.05 derived from the two-tailed test were considered statistically significant.

We compared baseline performance between the 2 groups in order to test for possible differences in each of the measures, although individuals were randomly assigned to the groups. The independent samples t test was performed for age, educational level and baseline neuropsychological scores. The Chi-square test was used for analysis of the gender. General Linear Model repeated measures analysis of variance was carried out to examine the effect of the intervention on memory training. Analyses were performed with the group as a between-subjects variable and neuropsychological testing performance on the first and second follow-up phase as the within-subjects factor. In the first set of analyses, several baseline scores, Word List Long Term Delayed Free and Cued Recall, Word List Recognition, SMCQ and SGDS were treated as covariates in this model in order to control for significant baseline group differences. In addition, we set the change in SGDS scores between the 2 phases as a covariate to control the effects of depressive symptoms on cognitive performance.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics

A total of 32 participants were included in the study. There were 16 participants in the intervention and control groups. There were no significant baseline differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups except for Word List Long-Term Delayed Free Recall (p=0.019) and Cued Recall (p=0.016), Word List Recognition (p=0.032), SMCQ (p=0.004) and SGDS score (p=0.003). Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Baseline characteristics: demographic, cognitive and psychosocial characteristics

^*mean (SD), ^†5 times of immediate recall of the learning word list, ^‡the measures are test scores, not length of attention span. SD: standard deviation, SRFT: Simple Rey Figure Test, DST: Digit Span Test, VST: Visual Span Test, SMCQ: Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, SGDS: Geriatric Depression Scale, short form

In baseline analysis, participants in the intervention group were more depressed and concerned about their memory function and also had difficulties with 5 cognitive subtests than those in the control group. Therefore, these 5 baseline scores were treated as covariates in order to examine for significant group differences. Since improvement of depressive symptoms may affect cognitive performance regardless of memory training, the change in the SGDS score was controlled by treating as a covariate.

Effects of memory training on outcome measures

Changes in scores with time and statistical significance between the intervention and control groups are shown in Table 3. To control for the effects of depressive symptoms on performance and to evaluate training efficacy regardless of it, we set changes in SGDS scores between 2 phases as a covariance. The results indicate that benefits from memory training have been shown in the intervention group. Because this was a preliminary study, an unadjusted α-level of 5% was used. To avoid an unacceptable loss of power, adjustments for multiple comparisons were not made.

Table 3.

Comparisions between the intervention and control groups and effect of the memory training on outcome measures

^amean (SD), ^b(95% CI), ^c5 times of immediate recall of the learning word list, ^deffect of the memory training program not controlling for depressive symptoms changes ^eeffect of the memory training program controlling for depressive symptoms changes, ^†p value from the intervention vs. control groups by time interactions. SD: standard deviation, CI: confidence interval, SRFT: Simple Rey Figure Test, DST: Digit Span Test, VST: Visual Span Test, SMCQ: Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, SGDS: Geriatric Depression Scale, short form

There were significant effects favoring the intervention group on verbal memory subtests, including Word List Short term Delayed Free (p=0.024) and Cued Recall (p=0.020) as well as Word list Long-term Delayed Free (p=0.042) and Cued Recall (p=0.003). Significant effects on the visuospatial memory subtest and SRFT Recognition (p=0.009) indicate greater improvement in the intervention group. On the attention and verbal fluency, there were significant effects favoring the intervention group on visuospatial span forwards (p=0.025) and CFT (p=0.001). These findings imply that significant improvements occur after controlling for changes in depressive symptoms.

Figure 1 shows pre-post scores and effect sizes (Cohen d) according to group for Word List Short-term Delayed Free (d=0.68) and Cued Recall (d=0.66), Word list Long-term Delayed Free (d=0.88) and Cued Recall (d=0.92), SRFT Recognition (d=0.65), Visuospatial span forwards (d=0.42) and CFT (d=0.15).

Figure 1.

Pretaining and Posttraining estimated means with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and effect sizes (Cohen d). For each outcome measure, the p-value and Cohen d effect size estimate is from the training group (intervention vs. control group)×time interaction. A) p=0.024, d=0.68; B) p=0.020, d=0.66, C) p=0.042, d=0.88; D) p=0.003, d=0.92; E) p=0.009, d=0.65; F) p=0.025, d=0.42; G) p=0.001, d=0.15. SD: standard deviation.

DISCUSSION

In this study, this multistrategic memory training with a metamemory approach improved both only memory ability and other cognitive abilities and the improvement is significant irrespective of improvement in depressive symptoms. These results indicate that this training may have pure cognitive benefits including transfer effect to different cognitive functions. After training, participants were able to better encode and retrieve verbal or visuospatial information and to retrieve information more fluently.

The improvements in memory performance, working memory and verbal fluency performance show the transfer effect of improvement to cognitive domains other than memory. First, we expected that memory training would help increase memory performance and overcome the limitations of multistrategic training in the transfer to different cognitive domains or everyday cognitive tasks.^2,4 This transfer effect may be related to improvements in higher cognitive functions and self-confidence in the memory process. Recent studies have shown the impact of the metamemory process on the facilitation of the memory process, enhancement of memory performance and transfer to new domains, suggesting that multistrategic training with a metamemory approach may facilitate encoding and retrieving through the alternative metamemory process including metaknowledge, metamonitoring and metajudgment.^13,14,25 Second, we confirmed a positive relationship between objective changes in memory performance and the subjective perception of memory changes.^15,26,27 Participant confidence in memory ability may be attributed to meta-monitoring of their own memory.²⁶ Previous studies that were attempted to determine the enhancement of subjective feelings by multistrategic training have shown similar results as ours.^5,6,26 Our study suggests that combining memory training with a holistic metamemory approach may improve higher strategic functions and self-efficacy as well as memory function in everyday life and social activities.

Another objective of our study was to determine whether depressive symptoms play crucial role in the outcomes of memory training. Depression is frequently associated with SMC and cognitive impairment. Based on the results of previous studies that changes in depressive symptoms affect cognitive function, our study excluded subjects with depressive symptoms and measured changes in cognitive performance.^4,28 Previous longitudinal studies have indicated that SMC are more often associated with depressive symptoms.^29,30 Our study provides a positive result that improvements in memory and other cognitive functions may be attributed to the effect of memory training rather than a decrease in depressive symptoms.

This study has some limitations. First, we did not examine how long the effect can be maintained. Second, our study has a limitation stemming from its small sample size. Further studies with a large sample size are needed to confirm that memory training with a metamemory approach affects daily life activities and how long this effect is maintained. Analytical methods in our study were adequately powered but we did not adjust for multiple comparisons, which might make some of type I errors. To our knowledge, this is the first study that showed the effect of specialized memory training with the metamemory concept for a normal elderly Korean population. Our method for memory training will help the normal elderly improve their quality of life.