Centre for Policy on Ageing



MemAerobics — a cognitive intervention to improve memory ability and reduce depression in older adults
Author(s)	Robert G Winningham, Roger Anunsen, Lisa M Hanson
Journal title	Journal of Mental Health and Aging, vol 9 no 3, Fall 2003
Pages	pp 183-192
Keywords	Memory and Reminiscence ; Therapy ; Depression ; United States of America.
Annotation	Previous research on memory enhancement has generally focused on the young-old (aged under 75). This research replicated these findings with an older assisted living facility population using a new program called MemAerobics, which could also be used by other long-term care facilities to both improve and maintain residents' overall wellness. Volunteers either participated in the MemAerobics cognitive enhancement intervention, or in a control group (no extra activities). Before the intervention, all participants completed a battery of standardised tests designed to measure memory ability, beliefs in the efficacy of their memories, life satisfaction, and depression. After 3 months of MemAerobics exercises, all participants were reassessed with the same measures. Results indicated that the Mem Aeoribcs participants experienced an increase in memory ability, as well as a decrease in depressive symptoms. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-040519205 A
Classmark	DB: LO: ENR: 7T
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.