DZNE researchers publish memory aid handbook

Where are my keys? When is the next doctor’s appointment ? In advanced age, memory may no longer work as reliably as in younger years. Then, it often also becomes more difficult to cope with everyday life independently. To overcome such challenges, strategies can be used to help with memory loss. Scientifically tested aids that can be implemented in everyday life are offered in the now published handbook „Gedächtnis-Hilfe: Strategien für den Alltag“ ("Memory Aid: Strategies for Everyday Life"). This needs-oriented handbook for older people with subjective cognitive impairments was developed under the leadership of Sabrina Ross, a doctoral student in the research group of PD Dr. Francisca S. Rodriguez at the DZNE Greifswald. The handbook is available free of charge as a PDF (in German).

“Older people experiencing memory problems may be at an increased risk for future dementia. Then, this is not a matter of normal, age-related forgetfulness, but of a serious disease. Therefore, it is important to support them in managing their everyday life independently for as long as possible," Ross explained. For the memory aid handbook, she and Dr. Rodriguez first evaluated 16 scientific studies in a systematic review. These studies had focused on coping strategies for memory impairments that can be performed on a day-to-day basis without professional assistance.

Sabrina Ross then thematically elaborated these memory strategies for the handbook, explaining their functioning and applicability in daily life and exemplifying them with examples and visuals. She also clustered the strategies into seven themes – as a seven-week schedule in which the various strategies can be tried out one after the other and integrated into everyday life. Ross and Rodriguez then tested the effectiveness of this 7-week program in a scientific pilot study: The 19 participants with self-reported memory problems were on average around 76 years old and received the handbook. At the beginning and end of the study, they participated in cognitive tests. The participants also recorded their experiences with the strategies in questionnaires and checklists.

In the pilot study, the memory aid handbook was found to be very useful and user-friendly by the subjects. It was indicated that the handbook was perceived as beneficial for confirming already established memory strategies and stimulating new ones. As well, after the 7 weeks, participants scored significantly better in the cognitive tests and experienced an increase in their confidence in own skills. “In addition, the checklist revealed that using a calendar was considered the most helpful strategies for daily living, followed closely by taking notes, having specific places for certain items and creating routines in daily life”, said Ross. Dr. Rodriguez concludes, "Teaching memory strategies can be a useful, inexpensive method to foster independence among older people with subjective cognitive impairment so they can live independently for as long as possible."

October 2023