Cognitive Memory Training with Healthy Elderly: Meta-Analysis and Comparison of Strategies

Abstract

Memory training is an alternative for cognitive improvement with elderly, currently evidenced in Brazilian research. Nevertheless, there is no verification of the differences between types of training, in order to identify the effectiveness of different strategies in intervention. Therefore, this paper seeks to compare strategies adopted in the Brazilian context. A meta-analysis was carried out, evaluating the effect size, publication bias and heterogeneity of the studies. The results indicate a statistically insignificant effect from insignificant to moderate on the worked memory subsystems, although with a moderate and significant effect on incidental memory. The presence of bias in publications and high heterogeneity between studies are indicated. Subsequent meta-analyses should associate the results with methodological characteristics of the works.