Training use of compensatory memory books: A three stage behavioral approach

Abstract

A systematic, structured training sequence for teaching individuals with severe memory impairments to independently utilize a compensatory memory book is reviewed. The training sequence is theoretically motivated, incorporating both principles of learning theory as well as aspects of memory known to be preserved in many patients with even severe amnestic disorders. This paper describes the components of a functional memory book system as well as the three-stage behavioral training procedure. An illustrative case study reviewing the training and resultant effective use of a memory book system for daily living and employment in a severely memory-impaired patient is provided.

SenseCam: A new tool for memory rehabilitation?

“…These results were later confirmed by others [26,27]. Sohlberg and Mateer [28] studied the effect of using a personal diary and found a decline in repeated narratives (also see [29]). Actually, these findings describe the usefulness of these tools as a memory-aid, but no study has focused on the specific effect these aids have on episodic memory.…”

“…SenseCam should not only have a beneficial effect on the amount of information retrieved, but should also improve the quality of the information recalled, with more detail, and a richer experience for past events. An improvement in episodic memory with SenseCam has been demonstrated both in healthy populations -a group of 3 men [50], a group of 18 adults [28], a group of 14 young adults [51] -and in populations presenting with memory disorders -3 adults with AD [52], 5 adults with AD or mild cognitive impairment [53], 6 adults with AD [1].…”

EFNS Guidelines on cognitive rehabilitation: report of an EFNS Task Force

“…The effectiveness of memory notebooks as a compensatory strategy is also supported by several Class III studies (Burke et al, 1994;Sohlberg and Mateer, 1989;Zencius et al, 1990;Squires et al, 1996). Other Class III studies investigated compensatory memory strategies such as rehearsal, semantic elaboration, visual imagery, prospective memory, specific mnemonic techniques with various degrees of success.…”

Application of Cognitive Rehabilitation Theory to the Development of Smart Prompting Technologies

“…Behavioral change theory posits that behavioral change (e.g., using learned memory strategies in daily life) is most likely to occur when the cost-benefit analysis of the new behavior is positive, the person is able to form and articulate intended behavioral change, has positive experiences with the intended behavior, and is satisfied with the outcome of the behavior [30]. According to learning theory, a new behavior should be learned during an acquisition phase, applied to daily life in an application phase, and practiced so as to make it habitual and routine [31]. Overall, cognitive rehabilitation is a holistic and integrated approach that involves the individualized training of real-world tasks using a variety of techniques to significantly improve everyday memory and daily functioning [23].…”