Article

Memory problems are common in patients with a range of neurological conditions,
but there have been few attempts to provide and evaluate the usefulness of memory
training for groups of neurological outpatients. We used a waitlist-controlled
trial design to assess the effectiveness of a newly created, 6-session
intervention, which involved training in the use of compensatory strategies as
well as education regarding memory function, neurological damage, sleep and
lifestyle factors that have an impact on memory. Fifty-six patients with
neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy) and memory complaints completed
the training and assessments. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of reported
strategy use as well as objective and subjective measures of anterograde and
prospective memory. Training resulted in significant improvements on number of
strategies used, scores on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (total learning
and delayed recall) and self-report on the Comprehensive Assessment of
Prospective Memory. Improvements were stable at 3-month follow-up. Better
individual outcomes were related to lower baseline memory scores, fewer symptoms
of depression and greater self-awareness of memory function. Overall the study
provides encouraging results to indicate that patients with neurological
conditions such as stroke and epilepsy can show improvements in memory after a
relatively short group-based intervention. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1-11).

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI