An evaluation of the effectiveness of group therapy for memory problems.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of group treatment for memory problems.

Design: A cross-over design was employed to compare the memory improvement of subjects while attending a weekly memory therapy session with a waiting period.

Setting: Outpatients.

Treatment: A variety of memory strategies were taught, and practical advice was provided in the use of external aids.

Results: No improvement in memory function was detected on the Behavioural Memory Test or Subjective Memory Questionnaire. There was an increase in the number of memory aids reported as being used after attending the group (p less than 0.05). The number of items reported on the Subjective Memory Questionnaire as 'bothering' the patient decreased in frequency (p less than 0.05) after group treatment.

Conclusions: Attendance at a memory group increased the use of memory aids but did not affect memory impairment.