The Influence of Cognitive Training on Older Adults– Recall for Short Stories

Shannon M. Sisco, Michael Marsiske, Alden L. Gross, George W. Rebok

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This article investigated how a multicomponent memory intervention affected memory for prose. We compared verbatim and paraphrased recall for short stories immediately and 1, 2, 3, and 5 years post-intervention in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) sample. Method: We studied 1,912 ACTIVE participants aged 65 to 91. Participants were randomized into one of three training arms (Memory, Reasoning, Speed of Processing) or a no-contact Control group; about half of the trained participants received additional booster training 1 and 3 years post-intervention. Results: Memory-trained participants showed higher verbatim recall than non-memory-trained participants. Booster-memory training led to higher verbatim recall. Memory training effects were evident immediately following training and not after 1 year following training. Discussion: Results suggest that multifactorial memory training can improve verbatim recall for prose, but the effect does not last without continued intervention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)230S-248S
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
Volume25
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • aged
  • intervention studies
  • longitudinal studies
  • memory
  • prose recall
  • short-term

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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