Article

Memory complaints are common after stroke, yet there have been very few studies
of the outcome of memory rehabilitation in these patients. The present study
evaluated the effectiveness of a new manualised, group-based memory training
programme. Forty outpatients with a single-stroke history and ongoing memory
complaints were enrolled.
The six-week course involved education and strategy
training and was evaluated using a wait-list crossover design, with three
assessments conducted 12 weeks apart. Outcome measures included: tests of
anterograde memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test: RAVLT; Complex Figure
Test) and prospective memory (Royal Prince Alfred Prospective Memory Test); the
Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory (CAPM) questionnaire and
self-report of number of strategies used. Significant training-related gains were
found on RAVLT learning and delayed recall and on CAPM informant report. Lower
baseline scores predicted greater gains for several outcome measures. Patients
with higher IQ or level of education showed more gains in number of strategies
used. Shorter time since onset was related to gains in prospective memory, but no
other stroke-related variables influenced outcome. Our study provides evidence
that a relatively brief, group-based training intervention can improve memory
functioning in chronic stroke patients and clarified some of the baseline factors
that influence outcome.

Langue : ANGLAIS