A study to examine the effectiveness of a Memory Strategy Education Group for clients presenting with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Dementia in an Acute General Hospital

Background: An occupational therapy Memory Strategy Education Group was developed to assist clients with MCI and their caregivers adopt strategies to manage memory impairment in everyday living. The study aimed to examine the... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
An occupational therapy Memory Strategy Education Group was developed to assist clients with MCI and their caregivers adopt strategies to manage memory impairment in everyday living. The study aimed to examine the impact of the programme on the person’s everyday memory function, use of memory strategies, and quality of life, through the focus on setting and reviewing individualized memory goals over the course of the intervention.


Method:
A quasi experimental one group pre-test post-test prospective clinical study design was utilized. Clients and caregivers attended a one-hour occupational therapy led group session each week for six weeks. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, two-weeks post completion of the group, and at three month follow-up.

Results:
Over a 14 month period 60 clients participated in the programme with 47 consenting to participate in the research study. Preliminary findings on the initial groups (n=17) show statistically significant improvements in Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test1 scores (P=0.017), client rating of memory concerns using DEMQOL2 (P=0.009), and increased use of external memory aids (P<0.001). From the clients perspective there was a significant improvement in their self ratings of their performance on their individualized memory goals on the COPM 3 (P<0.001).

Conclusion:
Preliminary results indicate encouraging findings for clients engaging in the Memory Strategy Education group intervention that are maintained at three month follow-up.

Application to Practice:
This study provides evidence to support the role of occupational therapy in developing and delivering memory focused educational programmes as highlighted in the Irish National Dementia Strategy 4.