Effective group-based memory training for patients with epilepsy

Kylie Radford, Suncica Lah, Zoë Thayer, Laurie A. Miller*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Patients with epilepsy experience memory problems, but there have been few attempts to provide and evaluate the effectiveness of memory training. We designed a 6-week, group-based, psychoeducation and strategy course that was evaluated using a waitlist crossover design, with three assessments conducted 12. weeks apart. Thirty-one patients with a history of seizures participated. Significant gains were found on tests of anterograde (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and appointment memory. In addition, patients reported using more strategies and experiencing fewer prospective memory difficulties in daily life. Memory was more likely to improve in participants who were younger, less educated, and less depressed. Moreover, lower baseline memory, but better attention corresponded to better outcome. Of the clinical variables related to epilepsy, only number of anticonvulsant medications was found to be associated with outcome. Our study provides evidence that a relatively short intervention can improve memory functioning in patients with epilepsy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)272-278
Number of pages7
JournalEpilepsy and Behavior
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anterograde memory
  • Brain lesions
  • Everyday memory
  • Prospective memory
  • Rehabilitation
  • Seizures

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