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Subject: search.filters.subject.Memory disorders in old age

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    Examination of everyday memory in an elderly New Zealand population : improving the utility of the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1996) Fraser, Sean D
    With the increase in the numbers of elderly in the population and the recent identification of diverse dementias, a need has arisen for improved assessment of memory for this population. The Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT) is one of the major tests for working memory and is well suited for use with the elderly. However, normative data for the elderly is limited and the measure has not been assessed for use with a New Zealand population. This study reports RBMT normative data for 138 elderly, non-dementing, community dwelling volunteers in New Zealand, in 3 age specific groups; 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 years. Results showed significant differences (p=0.05) between the data collected in Oxford and New Zealand, with New Zealand results generally higher on most sub-tests. This was considered to be due to a combination of factors including; cultural differences, screening methods for dementia and attention to test anxiety. In addition, a significant difference (p=0.05) was observed on 1 of the sub-tests (Appointment) when comparing test scores across the age groups.
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    Comparing group-based interventions in older adults with subjective memory difficulties : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Sothieson, Veena
    The trend internationally and within New Zealand is of an increasing aging population, with numbers of those with dementia projected to increase rapidly. One way to address this issue is to consider the practical and clinical benefits of running memory intervention groups for older adults with memory difficulties/impairment. The current study intended to address some of the limitations found in memory intervention literature by (a) using a social control group as a control comparison, which has not been done before, and (b) separating out components of memory training interventions (i.e., memory strategies and lifestyle education). Therefore, the aim was to determine the extent to which receiving Memory intervention separately from a Lifestyle Education intervention would affect memory functioning in older adults with subjective memory difficulties, when compared with a social control condition. Participants for the intervention group were recruited from rest homes and retirement villages, while social control participants were community-dwelling older adults already taking part in weekly community group activities. A brief cognitive screen and subjective outcome measures were administered at baseline, post Phase 1, post Phase 2, and at six month follow-up. Quantitative and qualitative information from a total of 13 participants were analysed. Results from each of the outcome measures across the four time points indicated that there were no significant benefits of receiving Memory and/or Lifestyle Education interventions, when compared with a social control condition. However, a small sample size, non-equivalent groups, and lack of random assignment were some of the limitations which made it difficult to reach definite conclusions. Content analysis of qualitative information following intervention sessions provided some valuable considerations for running memory groups in future. In light of its limitations, the current study highlights practical considerations and recommendations for future research in this area. In particular, it identifies the value of conducting memory intervention research with older adults in residential care settings.