title: Interventions for older persons reporting memory difficulties: a randomized controlled pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to compare three different interventions for persons who report memory difficulties: health promotion, cognitive training, and a participation-centered course, using a single-blind, randomized controlled design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 44 Israeli adults with memory complaints, aged 65 years or older. The main outcome variable was the Global Cognitive Score assessed using the MindStreams(®) mild cognitive impairment assessment, a computerized cognitive assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination and the self-report of memory difficulties were also utilized. To assess well-being, the UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 was used. Health was evaluated by self-report instruments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All three interventions resulted in significant improvement in cognitive function as measured by the computerized cognitive assessment. All approaches seemed to decrease loneliness. The only variable which showed a significant difference among the groups is the self-report of memory difficulties, in which the cognitive training group participants reported greater improvement than the other groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multiple approaches should be offered to older persons with memory complaints. The availability of diverse options would help fit the needs of a heterogeneous population. An educational media effort to promote the public's understanding of the efficacy of these multiple approaches is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Herczeg Institute on Aging, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Jiska
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cohen-Mansfield
authors.forename: Rinat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buettner
authors.forename: Nitza
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eyal
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jakobovits
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rebok
authors.forename: Shlomit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rotenberg-Shpigelman
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sternberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: Israel; cognition; intervention studies; loneliness; memory; older persons