Memory Support System training in mild cognitive impairment: Predictors of learning and adherence

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify predictors of learning and adherence to a previously validated compensatory calendar and note-taking system (Memory Support System; MSS) in persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Age, education, global cognition, depression, and memory-related self-efficacy were studied as predictors of individuals’ ability to learn the use of the MSS during the two-week training and of their adherence to the MSS 6, 12, and 18 months after training. How well an individual was able to learn the use of the MSS was itself examined as a predictor of adherence. Two-hundred-and-fifteen older adults with aMCI and their study partners (e.g., spouse, adult child) received MSS training one-hour daily for 10 days. Ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that (1) global cognition predicted MSS learning at end of training, and (2) MSS learning at end of trainng predicted MSS adherence at 6, 12, and 18 months post-training. The current study suggests that offering compensatory strategies as early as possible for those with MCI might be of most benefit, and might have implications for long-term adherence.

KEYWORDS:

• Memory compensation training
• Behavioural intervention
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Learning
• Adherence

Acknowledgements

The statements in this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Glenn E. Smith, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The research reported in this manuscript was funded through a Patient-Centred Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Award [CER-1306-01897]. The primary author received funding from Alzheimer Nederland [grant number WE.2017-05, fellowship cycle 2017].