A common concern among older adults is cognitive decline, particularly one’s memory. Much time and resources have been allocated to discovering methods to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline. Like protective factors (e.g., diet, exercise, sleep), cognitive training has been explored as a possible factor in preserving cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to examine the role of premorbid functioning in predicting change in subjective and objective memory outcomes following a brief memory training program.

Adults aged 50 and older (n=19, 74% Female) were recruited for the current study. Participants had an average age of 70.63 years (SD=5.16), 15.21 years of education (SD= 3.12), and were predominantly White (84%). Participants completed three, one-hour individual memory training sessions over several weeks. Sessions focused on strategies-based training (e.g., visualization, association, and mnemonics). All participants completed neuropsychological testing at baseline and at post-intervention (approximately 8-10 weeks after baseline). Tests included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF), the Hopkins Verbal List Test-Revised (HVLT-R), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and the Multiphasic Memory Questionnaire (MMQ).

Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine whether level of premorbid functioning significantly predicted change in subjective and objective memory performances after the completion of the memory training sessions. Change scores were created for each MMQ subscale and for HVLT-R Immediate Recall and Delayed Recall. These change scores were used as the outcome variable for the analyses, with age, education, global cognitive ability, and functional activity as covariates. Findings indicated that scores on the TOPF were significantly associated with change in the MMQ Ability subscale, F(1,18)=8.99, p<.001, R²=.78, R²_adjusted=.69, suggesting that individuals with higher premorbid intellectual functioning demonstrated greater change in their subjective memory ability ratings after completing the memory training sessions. The model explained 69% of the variance in the change in MMQ Ability subscale. Scores on the TOPF were significantly associated with change in scores on the HVLT Total Recall, F(1,18)=1.51, p=.036, R²=.37, R²_adjusted=.12, suggesting that individuals with higher premorbid intellectual functioning had greater change in scores on the immediate recall of a rote list of words. The model explained 12% of the variance in the change of HVLT Immediate Recall scores.

These findings suggest that higher levels of premorbid functioning may result in a greater change, both subjectively and objectively, in memory abilities after participating in a brief memory training program. Some study limitations include a smaller sample size, brief duration of the program, and unexamined transfer effects. Despite the limitations, these findings lend support to the concept of cognitive reserve. Like premorbid functioning, cognitive reserve may be developed over a lifetime of new learning. These findings may offer support for the benefits of cognitive training in leading to improved memory outcomes, particularly in individuals with higher premorbid intellectual functioning. Perhaps individuals with higher premorbid functioning are more suited to incorporate memory strategies delivered in an informational format. Future studies should explore factors or different modalities of delivery that may improve treatment outcomes for all levels of premorbid functioning.