Cognitive Training for Memory Deficits in Stroke Patients

Abstract

This study was set up to evaluate the efficacy of a memory training programme in a group of stroke patients. Berg, Koning-Haanstra, and Deelman (1991) developed a training procedure which successfully improved the memory performance of a group of closed head injury patients. The training programme consists of six simple memory strategies, which are applied to daily memory problems that are selected with the patient. Two groups of stroke patients with demonstrable memory deficits were randomly assigned to the training programme or a non-specific training programme involving repetitive practice on memory tasks. After a four week training period retesting showed a significant improvement of the trained memory skills, but there was no improvement on control memory tasks. Subjective ratings of everyday memory functioning did not differ between the two groups.