Spaced Retrieval for Enhancing Memory: Implications for Nursing Practice and Research

Abstract

Many older adults experience memory problems due to normal or pathological aging, which impairs daily functioning. Spaced Retrieval is a technique that can be used to augment memory function as it relates to a specific, everyday task. This technique requires individuals to recall a single piece of information over progressively longer periods until the information is consolidated into long-term memory. It works effectively in various settings and for individuals with memory problems. Given their direct contact with older adult patients, nurses are in a position to notice memory declines and guide their patients in the use of this technique.

Optimizing Eating Performance for Older Adults With Dementia Living in Long‐term Care: A Systematic Review

“…These interventions included the feeding skills training program for caregivers (Chang & Lin, ), Montessori‐based activities with (Lin et al., ; Wu et al., ) and without (Lin et al., ) spaced retrieval for older adults with dementia. Specifically, Montessori‐based activities break down eating‐related activities into continuous sequential procedures, and ask residents to practice the procedures in sequence actively and repetitively (Camp et al., ), while spaced retrieval consists of presenting residents with information or procedures related to eating and asking them to recall it at increasing time intervals (Vance & Farr, ). The study testing training program for caregivers had moderate quality with level 2 evidence, and all the three “training programs for residents” studies that tested Montessori methods with or without spaced retrieval had strong quality with level 2 evidence.…”

“…Among the interventions evaluated, Montessori methods and spaced retrieval training and were noted effective in improving eating performance. Specifically, spaced retrieval training, which enhanced memory of eating related information and procedures (Camp et al., ), and Montessori methods, which focused on repetitive practices of step‐by‐step procedures associated with independent eating (Vance & Farr, ), were helpful in terms of providing residents with adequate information and skills to complete mealtime tasks. This then decreased the likelihood of frustration and increased the possibility that they experienced successful independent eating (Camp & Skrajner, ).…”

The effects of spaced retrieval training in improving hyperphagia of people living with dementia in residential settings

“…The memory conditions of the participants in the experimental group were recorded during the experiment, and an average of 81·56% of the participants in the experimental group successfully recalled the information in a maximum interval of 32 minutes for the above‐mentioned three results. According to the effectiveness analysis of interval times by Vance and Farr (), if the participants can recall the information after 16 minutes, the information is assumed to have already been stored in long‐term memory. Thus, in this study, nearly 90% of the participants in the experimental group successfully recalled the information after a maximum interval of 16 minutes, further demonstrating the effectiveness of SRT in reducing the hyperphagic behaviours of patients with dementia.…”

“…The information is less likely to be forgotten once it has been integrated into long‐term memory. This technique has recently been used to improve memory and assist them in learning information (Vance & Farr , Creighton et al . ).…”

The moderating effect of nutritional status on depressive symptoms in veteran elders with dementia: a spaced retrieval combined with Montessori‐based activities

“…Spaced retrieval requires an individual to recall a piece of information at increasing time intervals (Vance & Farr ). The interval is doubled on the next trial if the information is recalled correctly, with possible intervals of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 minutes.…”