Long-term effects of a memory group intervention reported by older adults

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine older adults’ experiences of change following a group memory intervention, the La Trobe and Caulfield Hospital (LaTCH) Memory Group programme. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 individuals. Participants were healthy older adults and older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who had participated in the memory group five years previously. Transcripts were analysed for emergent themes in a workshop, using the Most Significant Change technique. The focus group derived four major themes relating to participants’ experiences of change. Particularly noteworthy were themes describing a process of acceptance and normalising of memory difficulties in older age, as well as enhancement of coping and self-efficacy. The results highlight the importance of group support for older adults with and without objective memory impairment. Memory groups may use the group format to full advantage by (a) enhancing participants’ experiences of universality to alleviate distress and promote coping, and (b) developing group norms to promote positive ageing, encompassing enhanced acceptance and self-efficacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Mild cognitive impairment
• Group therapy
• Shared experiences
• Acceptance
• Self-efficacy
• Coping

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the study participants who participated in the memory groups and follow-up interviews. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of those who contributed to the analysis of interview scripts: Elizabeth Rand, Mary Castellani, and Wendy Dagher.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Glynda J. Kinsella http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5859-0934

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program to MM. The study was completed by the first author (M.M) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology. The original LaTCH memory group study was supported by the National Health & Medical Research Council Australia (487318; GJK).