title: Repetition-lag training to improve recollection memory in older people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: The results of a randomized controlled trial of repetition-lag training in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are reported. A modified repetition-lag training procedure with extended encoding time and strategy choice was used. The training required discriminating studied words from non-studied lures that were repeated at varying intervals during the test phase. Participants were assessed pre/post using untrained measures of cognition and self-report questionnaires. Primary outcome measures were recall of unrelated word pairs both immediately following presentation and following a delay. Secondary outcomes were a measure of attention, cognitive flexibility, and visual working memory. Participants were also asked to report on the frequency of cognitive failures and mood before and after training. Participants (N = 31) were randomized into either the treatment or a no-contact control group and attended the clinic twice per week over a four week period. Twenty-four participants completed the study (twelve in each group). Results indicated that the training group improved at recalling unrelated word pairs after a delay. There were no significant effects of training on other outcomes, self-reported cognitive failures or mood. The results are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
authors.affiliation: a Aged Care Services, Royal North Shore Hospital , University of New South Wales , St Leonards , Australia.
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Finn
authors.forename: Skye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McDonald
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000647:Amnesia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D014163:Transfer, Psychology
keywords: amnestic mild cognitive impairment; cognitive training; elderly; randomized; repetition-lag training