Long-Term Effectiveness of Spaced-Retrieval Memory Training for Older Adults with Probable Alzheimer's Disease

BackgroundExperimental studies indicate that lithium may facilitate neurotrophic/protective responses in the brain. Epidemiological and imaging studies in bipolar disorder, in addition to a few trials in Alzheimer's disease support the clinical translation of these findings. Nonetheless, there is limited controlled data about potential use of lithium to treat or prevent dementia.AimsTo determine the benefits of lithium treatment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a clinical condition associated with high risk for Alzheimer's disease.MethodA total of 61 community-dwelling, physically healthy, older adults with MCI were randomised to receive lithium or placebo (1:1) for 2 years (double-blind phase), and followed-up for an additional 24 months (single-blinded phase) (trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055392). Lithium carbonate was prescribed to yield subtherapeutic concentrations (0.25–0.5 mEq/L). Primary outcome variables were the cognitive (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive subscale) and functional (Clinical Dementia Rating – Sum of Boxes) parameters obtained at baseline and after 12 and 24 months. Secondary outcomes were neuropsychological test scores; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers determined at 0, 12 and 36 months; conversion rate from MCI to dementia (0–48 months).ResultsParticipants in the placebo group displayed cognitive and functional decline, whereas lithium-treated patients remained stable over 2 years. Lithium treatment was associated with better performance on memory and attention tests after 24 months, and with a significant increase in CSF amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ1−42) after 36 months.ConclusionsLong-term lithium attenuates cognitive and functional decline in amnestic MCI, and modifies Alzheimer's disease-related CSF biomarkers. The present data reinforces the disease-modifying properties of lithium in the MCI–Alzheimer's disease continuum.Declaration of interestNone.

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A new frontier in spaced retrieval memory training for persons with Alzheimer's disease

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation ◽

10.1080/09602011.2011.640468 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 329-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jeff A. Small

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Memory Training ◽

Spaced Retrieval ◽

New Frontier

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Effects of Spaced Retrieval Training on Semantic Memory in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/1092-4388(2013/12-0352) ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 247-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Shiri Oren ◽

Charlene Willerton ◽

Jeff Small

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Semantic Memory ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Memory Training ◽

Point System ◽

Related Disorder ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Spaced Retrieval

Purpose This article reports on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of spaced retrieval training (SRT) on semantic memory in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or related disorder. Method An initial systematic database search identified 454 potential studies. After screening and de-duplication, 35 studies that used SRT with the population of interest remained. The authors used an appraisal point system to evaluate the quality of the studies. Twelve of the 35 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and passed the appraisal point system cutoff. The 12 studies were classified as Level I and II evidence. Results Although the 12 studies varied in terms of design, methodology, and quality, SRT was shown to have important positive effects on learning semantic information across the included studies. Conclusions The findings indicate that SRT is an effective semantic memory training technique for people with AD, and consequently, recommendations are suggested for implementing SRT in practice settings. Continued research in this domain is also warranted to address limitations and gaps in the current body of research evidence, including variability in SRT protocols, effects of dementia severity on learning outcomes, maintenance effects, generalization, and the role of explicit and implicit learning in SRT.

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Spaced Retrieval Enhances Memory for a Name-Face-Occupation Association in Older Adults With Probable Alzheimer's Disease

The Journal of Genetic Psychology ◽

10.1080/00221320903548118 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 171 (2) ◽

pp. 168-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Katie Cherry ◽

Ashley Walvoord ◽

Karri Hawley

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Spaced Retrieval

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The Efficacy of Curcumin on Cognition, Depression, and Agitation in Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease

The Open Nutrition Journal ◽

10.2174/1874288201711010011 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 11-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jyotsna Sharman ◽

Roofia Galeshi ◽

Lisa Onega ◽

Susanne Ashby ◽

Kavya Sharman

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Methodological Issues ◽

Quantitative Evidence ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Current State ◽

Research Findings

The purpose of this systematic review was to ascertain the current state of science regarding the use of turmeric and its pigment curcumin in individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A summary of qualitative and quantitative evidence specific to the effect of curcumin on AD is presented in this article. The purpose of the review was to evaluate and summarize findings related to this body of research. Findings indicated a positive correlation between administration of turmeric and improvement AD symptoms; however, long-term benefits need to be researched. Also, experimental research with older adults with mild, moderate, and severe AD should be conducted to determine whether or not turmeric and curcumin improve cognition, depression, and agitation. Specific methodological issues that need to be considered are the dosage and purity of turmeric and curcumin, administration frequency, determination of a suitable placebo, and duration of testing.

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