Memory specificity training can improve working and prospective memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment

ABSTRACT Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is one of the cognitive profiles of aging. OBJECTIVE: In this study, Memory Specificity Training (MEST) was used as cognitive training in patients with amnestic MCI to understand the effectiveness of the intervention on memory dimensions. METHODS: Twenty patients that met the criteria for amnestic MCI were selected and randomly assigned to experimental (n=10) or control (n=10) groups. The experimental group received five sessions of training on memory specificity while the participants in the control group took part in two general placebo sessions. Participants were assessed before, immediately after, and three months after, the treatment using the Autobiographical Memory Test, the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Results from both post-test and follow-up treatment indicated that MEST improves working and prospective memory (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings support the effectiveness of MEST for MCI patients as a viable cognitive intervention. Also, the findings have implications for the role of brain plasticity in the effectiveness of this intervention.

摘要 遗忘型轻度认知障碍（Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI）是衰老相关的认知表现类型之一。研究目的：本研究以记忆特异性训练（Memory Specificity Training, MEST）作为遗忘型轻度认知障碍患者的认知干预手段，旨在探究该干预措施对记忆维度的干预效果。研究方法：本研究纳入20名符合遗忘型轻度认知障碍诊断标准的患者，采用随机分组法将其分为实验组（n=10）与对照组（n=10）。实验组接受5次记忆特异性训练课程，对照组则参与2次通用安慰剂对照训练。分别于干预前、干预即刻后及干预结束3个月后，采用自传体记忆测验（Autobiographical Memory Test）、前瞻性与回顾性记忆问卷（Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire）、韦氏记忆量表（Wechsler Memory Scale）以及医院焦虑抑郁量表（Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale）对受试者进行评估。采用方差分析对数据进行统计学分析。研究结果：干预后即刻评估与3个月随访评估结果均显示，MEST可改善受试者的工作记忆与前瞻性记忆（p<0.05）。研究结论：本研究结果证实，MEST可作为一种可行的认知干预手段，有效改善遗忘型轻度认知障碍患者的记忆功能。此外，本研究结果亦为脑可塑性在该干预效果中的作用机制提供了相关启示。