Theory-Driven Manualized Approach to Improving New Learning and Memory in Healthy Aging and MCI

Evaluation of a Theory-Driven Manualized Approach to Improving New Learning and Memory in Healthy Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in an aging population.

Memory enhancing techniques have been incorporated into an 8-session treatment protocol, Strategy Based Training to Enhance Memory (STEM), designed to teach participants about each of the techniques, train them on how to apply the techniques in daily life and practice their application to daily life memory demanding situations. The protocol includes teaching participants over age 60 how to restructure a memory demanding situation in order to make optimal use of the techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inclusion Criteria:

  • read and speak English fluently

Exclusion Criteria:

• prior stroke or neurological injury/disease (i.e. traumatic brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Stroke).
• history of significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis).
• significant alcohol or drug abuse history (inpatient treatment).
• Benzodiazepines and steroid use
• Diagnosis of dementia