Memory Training for Severe Memory Loss: Effects on Senile Dementia Patients and Their Families

The use of visual imagery for overcoming memory loss was tested in a sample of community-living older people with evidence of senile dementia. These people were randomly assigned into one of three training conditions: didactic, in which imagery techniques were taught; problem-solving, which presented practical solutions for everyday difficulties; and a wait list. Caregivers of the dementia patients were also included in the groups. Although recall performance was somewhat improved for subjects in the didactic group, these gains seemed to have little practical value for caregivers.