Metamemory in older adults, preliminary results of a multifactorial training program

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCognitive intervention is a broad field that uses different means to increase or maintain these capacities. One of the aspects worked in memory training interventions refers to beliefs about performance, control and aging beliefs regarding this function in old age. More favorable beliefs towards memory in old age, performance capacity and greater self‐perceived control are related to successful aging and feelings of well‐being. The aim of the present study is to evaluate memory and aging beliefs in older adults who took part in a memory training program and a control group of subjects belonging to the same age group.MethodDesign: Comparative, pre‐post, longitudinal intervention study. Community dwelling older adults over 60 years. Memory training program participants (n = 58) (M = 70,04 years old; ds = 8.07 years) and controls (n = 72) (M = 69.92 years old; ds = 7.31 years) were assed at the begging and the end of the program. Instruments: Questionnaire of Social Demographic Data (built ad hoc), Brief Neuropsychological assessment for memory and attention. Metacognition: Memory Control Capacity Inventory (MCI) and ‐Metamemory Questionnaire. Procedure: All the participants of the Intervention group took part in the Memory training program. The program has a duration of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each, where theoretical and practical tools are provided to improve cognitive performance in everyday life Program participants and controls were assed twice, with eight weeks of difference between the first and second evaluation.ResultResults reveal that when comparing the groups, statistically significant differences can be observed in favor of memory program participants in the following aspects: Metamemory beliefs: satisfaction(z = ‐3,376 p = .001), Metamemory capacity z = (‐2.32‐ p = .050) Metamemory Strategy (z = ‐4.556‐ p = .000), total metamemory beliefs (z = 4.620‐ p = .000) and in aging beliefs, in the aspect :aging independence concerns (z = ‐2.526 p = .000).ConclusionIt is of great significance the incorporation of the assessment, training and observation of meta‐memory beliefs together with cognitive assessment and cognitive training in memory programs for older adults. The inclusion of cognitive training is an approach that can help cognitively vulnerable older adults and promote healthy cognitive aging.