Do memory aids help everyday memory? A controlled trial of a Memory Aids Service

TY - JOUR

T1 - Do memory aids help everyday memory?

T2 - A controlled trial of a Memory Aids Service

AU - Dewar, Bonnie Kate

AU - Kapur, Narinder

AU - Kopelman, M. D.

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - There is a growing body of knowledge about the use of compensatory memory aids in memory rehabilitation, but relatively few controlled trials on how to train the use of such aids. This study investigated the effects of systematic training in the use of compensatory memory aids on everyday memory functioning within a Memory Aids Service. In a controlled clinical trial, a comparison was made between treatment participants and waiting list controls. Participants had everyday memory problems secondary to progressive or non-progressive neurological conditions. Following baseline assessment and goal setting, treatment participants underwent three training sessions, in which memory aids were matched to goals, across a six week period, with a follow-up assessment 12 weeks later. Outcome was measured by a goal attainment diary, neuropsychological test performance, psychosocial questionnaires and a problem solving inventory. There was a significant treatment effect of training on the goal attainment diary but only at 12 weeks follow-up. A post-hoc analysis indicated that treatment was effective for participants with a non-progressive condition but not for participants with a progressive condition. We conclude that a Memory Aids Service can be beneficial for patients with a non-progressive neurological condition, and make suggestions that might inform future applications of memory aids with those who have a progressive neurological disorder.

AB - There is a growing body of knowledge about the use of compensatory memory aids in memory rehabilitation, but relatively few controlled trials on how to train the use of such aids. This study investigated the effects of systematic training in the use of compensatory memory aids on everyday memory functioning within a Memory Aids Service. In a controlled clinical trial, a comparison was made between treatment participants and waiting list controls. Participants had everyday memory problems secondary to progressive or non-progressive neurological conditions. Following baseline assessment and goal setting, treatment participants underwent three training sessions, in which memory aids were matched to goals, across a six week period, with a follow-up assessment 12 weeks later. Outcome was measured by a goal attainment diary, neuropsychological test performance, psychosocial questionnaires and a problem solving inventory. There was a significant treatment effect of training on the goal attainment diary but only at 12 weeks follow-up. A post-hoc analysis indicated that treatment was effective for participants with a non-progressive condition but not for participants with a progressive condition. We conclude that a Memory Aids Service can be beneficial for patients with a non-progressive neurological condition, and make suggestions that might inform future applications of memory aids with those who have a progressive neurological disorder.

KW - compensatory aid

KW - Memory

KW - rehabilitation

KW - training

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84976324518&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/09602011.2016.1189342

DO - 10.1080/09602011.2016.1189342

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84976324518

SN - 0960-2011

SP - 1

EP - 19

JO - Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

JF - Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

ER -