Analysis of the Effects of an Episodic Memory Training Program on Institutionalized Elderly

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of an episodic memory training on the cognitive performance of institutionalized elderly. The sample consisted of 21 elderly individuals divided into experimental group (EG, n = 11, mean age = 75.82 years, SD = 9.70) and control group (CG, n = 10, mean age = 79.0 years, SD = 9.70). The EG underwent five episodic memory training sessions, and the CG participated in general stimulation activities. To evaluate the effects of the training, the following instruments were applied: cognitive screening scales, subtests of the brief neuropsychological assessment instrument (NEUPSILIN) (episodic verbal memory, semantic memory, visual memory, prospective memory, and oral language), and subtests of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). The results indicate that there are effects of the training for the skills trained (episodic verbal memory). There are also effects of distal transfer for abilities that were not directly targeted by the intervention (semantic memory, visual memory, and on the scales for screening for cognitive symptoms). Limitations and impacts are discussed.