Effects of cognitive training on working memory of female methamphetamine-dependent youths / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the characteristics of working memory ability of female methamphetamine dependent youths, and to analyze the effect of spatial and temporal training task (CODING) on working memory ability of female methamphetamine dependent youths.Methods:Sixty methamphetamine dependent youths from a women's drug rehabilitation center in Sichuan province were selected as the methamphetamine dependent group, while 60 female healthy volunteers from vocational high schools and universities participated as the healthy control group. Visual memory test (VISGED) was used to evaluat the working memory ability of the subjects, and SPSS 21.0 software was used for the nonparametric test of the memory difference between the two groups.The methamphetamine dependent group was divided into treatment group and waiting group based on the baseline matching principle of working memory. The treatment group was trained under the spatio-temporal CODING paradigm for working memory, and the training effect was assessed using the independent sample t-test. Results:(1)The individual parameters(0.06(-1.62, 1.67) vs 1.93 (-0.28, 2.71)) and working program(15.00(14.00 vs 16.00), 17.00(15.00, 20.00)) of working memory in methamphetamine dependent group and normal control group were statistically significant ( Z=-3.83, P<0.05, Z=-3.50; P<0.05). (2) Through memory training, the personal parameters before and after training in the treatment group ((0.08±1.79) vs 1.68 (0.68, 2.25)) had a statistically significant difference ( Z=-3.63, P<0.05). The personal parameters before and after the test in the waiting group ((-0.01±1.86) vs 0.72(-1.54, 1.88)) had no statistically significant difference ( Z=-1.35, P>0.05). Conclusion:Methamphetamine dependence impaire the working memory of female youths regardless of age or education level. Memory training can restore and improve memory ability to a certain extent, help to restore learning ability and living ability, and lay a foundation for a better return to society.