Evaluation of rehabilitation of memory in neurological disabilities (ReMiND): a randomized controlled trial

Clin Rehabil. 2012 Oct;26(10):894-903. doi: 10.1177/0269215511435424. Epub 2012 Feb 9.

Abstract

Objective: The evidence for the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation is inconclusive. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two group memory rehabilitation programmes with a self-help group control.

Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Participants: Participants with memory problems following traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis were recruited from community settings.

Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated, in cohorts of four, to compensation or restitution group treatment programmes or a self-help group control. All programmes were manual-based and comprised two individual and ten weekly group sessions.

Main measures: Memory functions, mood, and activities of daily living were assessed at baseline and five and seven months after randomization.

Results: There were 72 participants (mean age 47.7, SD 10.2 years; 32 men). There was no significant effect of treatment on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (P = 0.97). At seven months the mean scores were comparable (restitution 36.6, compensation 41.0, self-help 44.1). However, there was a significant difference between groups on the Internal Memory Aids Questionnaire (P = 0.002). The compensation and restitution groups each used significantly more internal memory aids than the self-help group (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on measures of mood, adjustment and activities of daily living (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: There results show few statistically significant effects of either compensation or restitution memory group treatment as compared with a self-help group control. Further randomized trials of memory rehabilitation are needed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Memory Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reference Values
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome