Impact on metamemory and cognitive measure of a multifactorial memory training programfor older adults from Argentina

FELDBERG, C.; BARREYRO, J. P.; QUIAN, R.; IRRAZABAL, N.; OFMAN, D.; HERMIDA, P.; TARTAGLINI, M. F.

Amsterdam

Congreso; Alzheimer?s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2023; 2023

Background: Several studies have suggested that cognitive training is a potentially effective way to improve cognition and metacognitive beliefs and postpone cognitive decline in older adults. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of a multifactorial program on metamemory and cognitive measures of older adults from Argentina.Method: Design: Comparative, pre-post, longitudinal intervention study. Community dwelling older adults over 60 years. Memory training program participants (n=50) (M= 68,68 years old; ds= 8.13 years) and controls (n= 50) (M= 69.03 years old; ds= 8,03 years) were assed at the begging and the end of the program. Instruments: questionnaire of social demographic data (built ad hoc), brief neuropsychological assessment for memory and attention and a metamemory questionnaire. Procedure: all the participants of the Intervention group took part in the memory training program. The program has a duration of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each, where theoretical and practical tools are provided to improve cognitive performance in everyday life. Program participants and controls were assed twice, with eight weeks of difference between the first and second evaluation.Results: Multiple analyzes of variance (ANOVA) were performed. The results indicate an interaction effect between the training condition (training program participants and controls) and the longitudinal condition (pre-test and post-test condition) in the metamemory questionnaire (F(1,98) = 5.06, p = .03) and in the memory strategies subscale (F(1,98) = 15.58, p < .001). Post-hoc analyzes indicate that the training group performed significantly better on both measures (p < .001), compared to the control group, which showed no differences. No differences were detected between the groups in measures of neuropsychological assessment.Conclusion: These results coincide with previous studies that point out the importance of assessing and intervening on metacognitive aspects in multidimensional cognitive training programs for older adults. The inclusion of cognitive training is an approach that can help cognitively vulnerable older adults and promote healthy cognitive aging.