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

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

Amsterdam

Conferencia; Alzheimer's Association International Conference; 2023

Alzheimer's Association

Background: Several studies have suggested that cognitive training is a potentiallyeffective 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 amultifactorial program on metamemory and cognitive measures of older adults fromArgentina.Method: Design: Comparative, pre-post, longitudinal intervention study. Communitydwelling 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 = 8,03years) were assed at the begging and the end of the program. Instruments: questionnaire of social demographic data (built ad hoc), brief neuropsychological assessmentfor memory and attention and a metamemory questionnaire. Procedure: all the participants of the Intervention group took part in the memory training program. Theprogram has a duration of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each, where theoretical and practical tools are provided to improve cognitive performance in everyday life. Programparticipants and controls were assed twice, with eight weeks of difference betweenthe first and second evaluation.Result: Multiple analyzes of variance (ANOVA) were performed. The results indicatean interaction effect between the training condition (training program participantsand controls) and the longitudinal condition (pre-test and post-test condition) in themetamemory 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 groupperformed significantly better on both measures (p < .001), compared to the control group, which showed no differences. No differences were detected between thegroups in measures of neuropsychological assessment.Conclusion: These results coincide with previous studies that point out the importanceof assessing and intervening on metacognitive aspects in multidimensional cognitivetraining programs for older adults. The inclusion of cognitive training is an approachthat can help cognitively vulnerable older adults and promote healthy cognitive aging