Life review to improve autobiographical memory in aMCI-V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Structured life review incorporating specific autobiographical memory retrieval practice as a strategy to prevent decline in social and mental wellbeing in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI).
IRAS ID
190525
Contact name
Fiona Leahy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 9 days
Research summary
Autobiographical memory (AM) refers to the ability to recall memories of specific events from one’s personal past. This ability is particularly relevant to social functioning, independence and mental wellbeing, but shows a pattern of decline from normal ageing to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and from aMCI to Alzheimer’s disease. We propose that AM is a potentially useful target for preventive interventions in people with significant memory problems. A new life review method that focusses on specific AMs has been found to improve specific AM recall and improve mood in depressed and healthy older adults. However this is yet to be tested with older adults with significant memory problems. This research will use a mixed methods approach to investigate whether this life review method is an effective and acceptable intervention for people with aMCI. Participants will undergo either 4 x 1 hour weekly life review sessions at their home, Aston University or clinic, or they will complete a workbook of unrelated tasks at home if in the control group. Participants will be recruited through NHS sites, residential homes and the local community. The questions we seek to answer are whether this life review method is effective at improving specific AM recall in aMCI patients, and whether there are further improvements on secondary outcomes of mood, social functioning and independence immediately following life review, and at 6 week follow up. This will allow us to determine whether life review is successful at improving specific AM recall, and whether it has a positive impact on factors related to preservation of wellbeing in aMCI patients. Participants will also be asked to provide feedback about their experience life review through questionnaires and interviews. This will help us to assess acceptability and enhance our understanding of how the intervention may be best delivered.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0003
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion