Affiliations: Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland | Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden,
Germany | School of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor,
UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Franzisca Zehnder, Institute of
Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestr. 14/24, CH-8050 Zürich
Switzerland. E-mail: f.zehnder@psychologie.uzh.ch
Abstract: In most studies on plasticity using behavioural data, cognitive
plasticity has been studied in the context of short-term interventions such as
memory training. In order to systematically review the literature on memory
training and summarize its effects for old healthy people and people with mild
cognitive impairment on multiple functional domains, we conducted a
meta-analysis of all published randomized controlled trials (RCT) between 1970
and 2007. Overall, 24 studies examining memory training effects in healthy and
in mildly cognitively impaired old adults were identified and included in the
analysis. Only memory trainings (e.g. memory skills training, imagery, method
of loci) with cognitive outcome measures, duration of intervention with up to
one year with at least a baseline and a post-intervention assessment reported,
were included. Results demonstrate significant training effects for paired
associate learning and immediate and delayed recall in healthy old adults and
for immediate recall in mildly cognitively impaired old adults. However,
training effects were no larger than those found for active control conditions.
Our results suggest that evidence on the effectiveness and specificity of
training interventions is scarce. We discuss limitations of existing knowledge
about the efficacy of memory training interventions and implications for future
research to improve knowledge regarding effective cognitive interventions.
Keywords: Plasticity, memory training, meta-analysis, old age, mild cognitive impairment
