Research Article
Efficacy of a group memory training method for older adults based on visualization and association techniques: A randomized, controlled trial with a placebo group
José Miguel Latorre Postigo,
José Vicente Hernández-Viadel,
Jorge Javier Ricarte Trives,
Corresponding Author
José Miguel Latorre Postigo
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Regional Centre of Biomedical Research, Health Psychology Unit, Spain
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Almansa, 14, 02006 Albacete, Spain.Search for more papers by this authorJosé Vicente Hernández-Viadel
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Castilla-La Mancha Mental Health Service, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorJorge Javier Ricarte Trives
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Regional Centre of Biomedical Research, Health Psychology Unit, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorJosé Miguel Latorre Postigo,
José Vicente Hernández-Viadel,
Jorge Javier Ricarte Trives,
Corresponding Author
José Miguel Latorre Postigo
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Regional Centre of Biomedical Research, Health Psychology Unit, Spain
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Almansa, 14, 02006 Albacete, Spain.Search for more papers by this authorJosé Vicente Hernández-Viadel
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Castilla-La Mancha Mental Health Service, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorJorge Javier Ricarte Trives
Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Regional Centre of Biomedical Research, Health Psychology Unit, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The aim of this trial has been to determine the efficacy of a group memory training method. The experimental group was compared to a placebo group (health education) or to a control group (waiting list). Forty-five adults between the ages of 60 and 70 years (M = 66.9) were recruited by placing notices in senior citizen community centres, which encouraged people with memory problems to participate in the study. Data were collected at baseline, 1 week, and 6 months after the intervention. The efficacy of the training was evaluated by measures of objective and subjective everyday memory performance. After intervention, the experimental group participants showed an increase in objective memory performance (d = 1.95). The effect size was even higher at 6 months after intervention (d = 2.88). Further, their subjective experience related to everyday memory slips decreased (d = −0.52). The memory training method was effective in improving everyday memory in older people with some cognitive decline. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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