Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T06:42:28.012Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A literature review of spaced-retrieval interventions: a direct memory intervention for people with dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 July 2013

Alexandra S. Creighton ,
Eva S. van der Ploeg  and
Daniel W. O’Connor
Alexandra S. Creighton
Affiliation:
Aged Mental Health Research Unit, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia
Eva S. van der Ploeg
Affiliation:
Aged Mental Health Research Unit, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia
Daniel W. O’Connor*
Affiliation:
Aged Mental Health Research Unit, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor Daniel O’Connor, AMHRU, Kingston Centre, Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia. Phone: +61-3-9265-1700; Fax: +61-3 9265-1711. Email: daniel.oconnor@monash.edu.
Get access

Abstract

Background:

With the increasing prevalence of dementia, there is a pressing need to identify effective interventions that prolong independent functioning. As pharmacological interventions aimed at slowing cognitive decline have been found to have a number of limitations, research has now moved toward studying complementary non-pharmacological cognitive training interventions. This review describes the use of spaced-retrieval as a method to teach new information and reduce behavioral problems in people with dementia.

Methods:

We searched the databases PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus as well as reference lists of relevant papers to identify articles describing the use of spaced-retrieval with people with dementia. Only primary, peer-reviewed research published in English was included in this review.

Results:

In total, 34 studies were identified, three of which were randomized controlled trials. We found that across studies, there was wide variability with regard to design, methodology, and outcome measures used. Nonetheless, the existing research demonstrates that spaced-retrieval training can be successfully used to teach people with dementia new and previously known face- and object–name associations, as well as cue–behavior associations aimed at alleviating problem behaviors and improving functional skills. The method can also assist with the recollection of past events.

Conclusions:

Current evidence indicates that spaced-retrieval training is effective in enabling people with dementia to learn new information and behavioral strategies. Future research should attempt to address the limitations outlined in this review and focus on utilizing this technique to achieve more functional and clinically relevant outcomes. Recommendations are also made with regard to investigating potential secondary benefits of spaced-retrieval and strengthening study design.

Keywords

spaced-retrieval trainingdementiamemorycognitive trainingnon-pharmacologicalinterventionrehabilitationlearning
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 25 , Issue 11 , November 2013 , pp. 1743 - 1763
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Abrahams, J. P. and Camp, C. J. (1993). Maintenance and generalization of object naming training in anomia associated with degenerative dementia. Clinical Gerontologist, 12, 57–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Aderinwale, O. G., Ernst, H. W. and Mousa, S. A. (2010). Current therapies and new strategies for the management of Alzheimer's disease. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias, 25, 414–424.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Alexopoulos, P. (1994). Management of sexually disinhibited behaviour by a dementia patient. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 13, 119.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Anderson, J., Arens, K., Johnson, R. and Coppens, P. (2001). Spaced retrieval vs. memory tape therapy in memory rehabilitation for dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Clinical Gerontologist, 24, 123–139.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bier, N.et al. (2008). Face-name association learning in early Alzheimer's disease: a comparison of learning methods and their underlying mechanisms. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 18, 343–371.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bird, M. (2001). Behavioural difficulties and cued recall of adaptive behaviour in dementia: experimental and clinical evidence. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10, 357–375.Google Scholar
Bird, M. and Kinsella, G. (1996). Long-term cued recall of tasks in senile dementia. Psychology and Aging, 11, 45–56.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bird, M., Alexopoulos, P. and Adamowicz, J. (1995). Success and failure in five case studies: use of cued recall to ameliorate behaviour problems in senile dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10, 305–311.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bourgeois, M. S.et al. (2003). A comparison of training strategies to enhance the use of external aids by persons with dementia. Journal of Communication Disorders, 36, 361–378.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Brush, J. A. and Camp, C. J. (1998a). A Therapy Technique for Improving Memory: Spaced Retrieval. Beachwood: Menorah Park Center for the Aging.Google Scholar
Brush, J. A. and Camp, C. J. (1998b). Using spaced retrieval as an intervention during speech-language therapy. Clinical Gerontologist, 19, 51–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Camp, C. J. (1989). Facilitation of new learning in Alzheimer's disease. In Gilmore, G. and Whitehouse, M. (eds.), Memory and Aging: Theory, Research and Practice (pp. 212–225). New York: Springer Publishing.Google Scholar
Camp, C. J. (2006). Spaced retrieval: a model for dissemination of a cognitive intervention for persons with dementia. In Attix, D. K. and Welsh-Bohmer, K. A. (eds.), Geriatric Neuropsychology: Assessment and Intervention (pp. 275–292). New York: The Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Camp, C. J. and Schaller, J. R. (1989). Epilogue: spaced-retrieval memory training in an adult day-care center. Educational Gerontology, 15, 641–648.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Camp, C. J., Foss, J. W., O’Hanlon, A. M. and Stevens, A. B. (1996a). Memory interventions for persons with dementia. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 10, 193–210.3.0.CO;2-4>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Camp, C. J., Foss, J. W., Stevens, A. B. and O’Hanlon, A. M. (1996b). Improving prospective memory task performance in persons with Alzheimer's disease. In Brandimonte, M. A., Einstein, G. O. and McDaniel, M. A. (eds.), Prospective Memory: Theory and Applications (pp. 351–367). Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum and Associates.Google Scholar
Camp, C. J., Bird, M. J. and Cherry, K. E. (2000). Retrieval strategies as a rehabilitation aid for cognitive loss in pathological aging. In Hill, R. D., Bäckman, L. and Neely, A. S. (eds.), Cognitive Rehabilitation in Old Age (pp. 224–248). New York: Oxford University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cherry, K. E. and Simmons-D’Gerolamo, S. S. (2000). Effects of a target object orientation task on recall in older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Clinical Gerontologist, 20, 39–63.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cherry, K. E. and Simmons-D’Gerolamo, S. S. (2004). Spaced-retrieval with probable Alzheimer's. Clinical Gerontologist, 27, 139–157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cherry, K. E. and Simmons-D’Gerolamo, S. S. (2005). Long-term effectiveness of memory training for older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Experimental Aging Research, 31, 261–289.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cherry, K. E., Simmons, S. S. and Camp, C. J. (1999). Spaced-retrieval enhances memory in older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Clinical Geropsychology, 5, 159–175.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cherry, K. E., Walvoord, A. A. and Hawley, K. S. (2010). Spaced retrieval enhances memory for a name-face-occupation association in older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 171, 168–181.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Clare, L., Wilson, B. A., Carter, G., Roth, I. and Hodges, J. R. (2002). Relearning face-name associations in early Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychology, 16, 538–547.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Davis, R. N., Massman, P. J. and Doody, R. S. (2001). Cognitive intervention in Alzheimer disease: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 15, 1–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dramé, M.et al. (2012). Nursing home admission in elderly subjects with dementia: predictive factors and future challenges. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 13, 83.e17–83.e20.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Erkes, J., Raffard, S. and Meulemans, T. (2009). Utilisation de la technique de récupération espacée dans la prise en charge des patients atteints de maladie d’Alzheimer. Revue critique et applications cliniques [Spaced-retrieval in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Critical review and clinical applications]. Psychologie & Neuropsychiatrie du Viellissement, 7, 275–286.Google Scholar
Evans, J. G., Wilcock, G. and Birks, J. (2004). Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 7, 351–369.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grandmaison, E. and Simard, M. (2003). A critical review of memory stimulation programs in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 15, 130–144.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Haslam, C., Hodder, K. I. and Yates, P. J. (2011). Errorless learning and spaced retrieval: how do these methods fare in healthy and clinical populations? Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 33, 432–447.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hawley, K. S. and Cherry, K. E. (2004). Spaced-retrieval effects on name-face recognition in older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Behavior Modification, 28, 276–296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hawley, K. S. and Cherry, K. E. (2008). Memory interventions and quality of life for older adults with dementia. Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 32, 89–102.Google Scholar
Hawley, K. S., Cherry, K. E., Boudreaux, E. O. and Jackson, E. M. (2008). A comparison of adjusted spaced retrieval versus a uniform expanded retrieval schedule for learning a name-face association in older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 30, 639–649.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hochhalter, A. K., Bakke, B. L., Holub, R. J. and Overmier, J. B. (2004). Adjusted spaced retrieval training. Clinical Gerontologist, 27, 159–168.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hochhalter, A. K., Overmier, J. B., Gasper, S. M., Bakke, B. L. and Holub, R. J. (2005). A comparison of spaced retrieval to other schedules of practice for people with dementia. Experimental Aging Research, 31, 101–118.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hopper, T.et al. (2005). Evidence-based practice recommendations for working with individuals with dementia: spaced-retrieval training. Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 13, 27–34.Google Scholar
Hopper, T., Drefs, S. J., Bayles, K. A., Tomoeda, C. K. and Dinu, I. (2010). The effects of modified spaced-retrieval training on learning and retention of face-name associations by individuals with dementia. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 20, 81–102.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hunter, C. E. A., Ward, L. and Camp, C. J. (2012). Transitioning spaced retrieval training to care staff in an Australian residential aged care setting for older adults with dementia: a case study approach. Clinical Gerontologist, 35, 1–14.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Joltin, A., Camp, C. J. and McMahon, C. M. (2003). Spaced-retrieval over the telephone: an intervention for persons with dementia. Clinical Psychologist, 7, 50–55.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Landauer, T. K. and Bjork, R. A. (1978). Optimal rehearsal patterns and name learning. In Gruneberg, M. M., Morris, P. and Sykes, R. (eds.), Practical Aspects of Memory (pp. 625–632). London, UK: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Lekeu, F., Wojtasik, V., Van der Linden, M. and Salmon, E. (2002). Training early Alzheimer patients to use a mobile phone. Acta Neurologica Belgica, 102, 114–121.Google ScholarPubMed
Lin, L. C.et al. (2010). Using spaced-retrieval and Montessori-based activities in improving eating ability for residents with dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25, 953–959.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McKitrick, L. A. and Camp, C. J. (1993). Relearning the names of things: the spaced-retrieval intervention implemented by a caregiver. Clinical Gerontologist, 14, 60–62.Google Scholar
McKitrick, L. A., Camp, C. J. and Black, F. W. (1992). Prospective memory intervention in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Gerontology, 47, P337–P343.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2000). How to Use the Evidence: Assessment and Application of Scientific Evidence. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council.Google Scholar
Olson, C. M.et al. (2002). Publication bias in editorial decision making. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 2825–2828.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Small, J. A. (2012). A new frontier in spaced retrieval memory training for persons with Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 22, 329–361.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sohlberg, M. M. and Turkstra, L. S. (2011). Optimizing Cognitive Rehabilitation: Effective Instructional Methods. New York: The Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Thies, W. and Bleiler, L. (2012). 2012 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's and Dementia, 8, 131–168.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thivierge, S., Simard, M., Jean, L. and Grandmaison, É. (2008). Errorless learning and spaced retrieval techniques to relearn instrumental activities of daily living in mild Alzheimer's disease: a case report study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 4, 987–999.Google ScholarPubMed
Vance, D. E. and Farr, K. F. (2007). Spaced retrieval for enhancing memory: implications for nursing practice and research. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 33, 46–52.Google ScholarPubMed
Vanhalle, C., Van der Linden, M., Belleville, S. and Gilbert, B. (1998). Putting names on faces: use of a spaced-retrieval strategy in a patient with dementia of the Alzheimer type. Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders, 8, 17–21.Google Scholar