Relaxation and memory training in 39 elderly patients.

A group of 39 elderly subjects whose mean age was 76 years were taught a standard mnemonic technique to improve face and name recall. About half of the subjects (the experimental group) received relaxation training before learning the mnemonic, and the remainder (the control group) were taught a nonspecific method to improve attitudes. Final performance on name and face recall improved significantly more in the experimental group, and this improvement was significantly correlated with decreased state anxiety scores. These results indicate that relaxation training may enhance the ability of elderly individuals to benefit from memory and similar training programs.