Prospective Memory Training for Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Objectives This review systematically synthesizes existing evidence of prospective memory training for healthy older adults (> 55 years). Existing prospective memory training include strategy-based, process-based and combined regimens. Strategy-based training focuses on different mnemonics to compensate for aging declines in prospective memory. Process-based training aims to restore related cognitive processes to support prospective memory. Combined training utilizes both strategy-based and process-based regimens to enhance prospective memory performance. Methods A total of 349 studies were identified from the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PsycINFO and PubMed databases. Results Using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were included in the review. There were six studies of strategy-based training, two studies of process-based training and three studies of combined training. Conclusions Overall, strategy-based training appears to facilitate prospective memory for healthy older adults. However, it is impossible to draw conclusions for process-based and combined training due to the preliminary nature of current evidence. Clinical Implications Mental imagery or the use of external aids can be useful strategy-based approaches to facilitate prospective memory in older adults. Strategy-based training should target multiple prospective memory phases simultaneously to encourage transfers. Further studies will be required to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of process-based and combined training.