Introduction: This study replicated and extended the findings from the author's previous pilot study to further explore how a spaced retrieval (SR) memory training program might be effectively applied to help persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) improve both short-and long-term recall of recent episodic events. Methods: A quasi-experimental within-subject group study was conducted with 15 participants with a diagnosis of AD. Results: Compared to a control condition, all participants were able to spontaneously recall significantly more specific details about trained events, and their recall was significantly enhanced when they were provided with cues. Although the findings indicated that people with AD were able to encode information during training, recall gains diminished by the end of the maintenance period. Discussion: This study provides evidence that individuals with mild to moderate AD can learn and recall new episodic information through SR training. These findings support the use of SR as an intervention tool to help individuals maintain their functioning in episodic recent memory. However, more research into maintaining the long-term recall of recent episodic events is warranted.

Background In long-term residential care (LTRC), caregivers’ attempts to provide person-centered care can be challenging when assisting residents living with a communication disorder (eg, aphasia) and/or a language-cultural barrier. Mobile communication technology, which includes smartphones and tablets and their software apps, offers an innovative solution for preventing and overcoming communication breakdowns during activities of daily living. There is a need to better understand the availability, relevance, and stability of commercially available communication apps (cApps) that could support person-centered care in the LTRC setting. Objective This study aimed to (1) systematically identify and evaluate commercially available cApps that could support person-centered communication (PCC) in LTRC and (2) examine the stability of cApps over 2 years. Methods We conducted systematic searches of the Canadian App Store (iPhone Operating System platform) in 2015 and 2017 using predefined search terms. cApps that met the study’s inclusion criteria underwent content review and quality assessment. Results Although the 2015 searches identified 519 unique apps, only 27 cApps were eligible for evaluation. The 2015 review identified 2 augmentative and alternative cApps and 2 translation apps as most appropriate for LTRC. Despite a 205% increase (from 199 to 607) in the number of augmentative and alternative communication and translation apps assessed for eligibility in the 2017 review, the top recommended cApps showed suitability for LTRC and marketplace stability. Conclusions The recommended existing cApps included some PCC features and demonstrated marketplace longevity. However, cApps that focus on the inclusion of more PCC features may be better suited for use in LTRC, which warrants future development. Furthermore, cApp content and quality would improve by including research evidence and experiential knowledge (eg, nurses and health care aides) to inform app development. cApps offer care staff a tool that could promote social participation and person-centered care. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10.2196/17136

BACKGROUND In long-term residential care (LTRC), caregivers’ attempts to provide person-centered care can be challenging when assisting residents living with a communication disorder (eg, aphasia) and/or a language-cultural barrier. Mobile communication technology, which includes smartphones and tablets and their software apps, offers an innovative solution for preventing and overcoming communication breakdowns during activities of daily living. There is a need to better understand the availability, relevance, and stability of commercially available communication apps (cApps) that could support person-centered care in the LTRC setting. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) systematically identify and evaluate commercially available cApps that could support person-centered communication (PCC) in LTRC and (2) examine the stability of cApps over 2 years. METHODS We conducted systematic searches of the Canadian App Store (iPhone Operating System platform) in 2015 and 2017 using predefined search terms. cApps that met the study’s inclusion criteria underwent content review and quality assessment. RESULTS Although the 2015 searches identified 519 unique apps, only 27 cApps were eligible for evaluation. The 2015 review identified 2 augmentative and alternative cApps and 2 translation apps as most appropriate for LTRC. Despite a 205% increase (from 199 to 607) in the number of augmentative and alternative communication and translation apps assessed for eligibility in the 2017 review, the top recommended cApps showed suitability for LTRC and marketplace stability. CONCLUSIONS The recommended existing cApps included some PCC features and demonstrated marketplace longevity. However, cApps that focus on the inclusion of more PCC features may be better suited for use in LTRC, which warrants future development. Furthermore, cApp content and quality would improve by including research evidence and experiential knowledge (eg, nurses and health care aides) to inform app development. cApps offer care staff a tool that could promote social participation and person-centered care. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/10.2196/17136