The psychological treatment of memory impairment: A review of empirical studies

Abstract

Memory impairment is a frequent effect of many different forms of brain dysfunction. Memory impairment is also a frequent focus of treatment interventions, and there have been many different treatment methods suggested. The suggested methods include direct retraining, the use of spared skills in compensating for the impairment (alternate functional systems), and the use of behavioral strategies to circumvent the manifest memory dysfunction (behavioral prosthetics). Unfortunately, there are very few studies comparing the various suggested treatment methods. The present paper evaluates the empirical evidence related to the treatment of memory dysfunction and suggests directions for future investigations. Although the evidence is not conclusive, it appears that some forms of treatment may be helpful in remediating certain types of memory impairment. An approach likely to be productive would include some consideration of the impaired neurological and psychological mechanisms responsible for the manifest memory deficit as well as a consideration of the etiology of the injury thought to be causally related to the memory deficit. As yet, there have been no rigorous empirical evaluations of these considerations.

The Benefits of a Cognitive Orthotic in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

“…Without generalization, the learning demonstrated on the practiced task seemed irrelevant to overall recovery, irrelevant to progress with other similar computer programs, and irrelevant to the performance of useful daily activities in real-life situations. [10][11][12] Some rehabilitation specialists attempted to incorporate off-the-shelf executive tools and software products designed for general use into cognitive rehabilitation, with limited, inconsistent, and sometimes negative results. Although some executive tools were useful, typically each provided a limited function.…”

Evaluation of a Structured Group Format Memory Rehabilitation Program For Adults Following Brain Injury

“…22 Thus, there is an increasing number of patients, while there are decreasing resources, resulting in a lesser number of therapeutic staff providing services to a greater number of clients. These circumstances have led to the development of group format memory rehabilitation programs in an effort to streamline services and provide an economical and effective way of working with individuals who experience memory deficits.…”

Cognitieve, emotionele en gedragsmatige gevolgen na een beroerte: evidence-based richtlijnen voor revalidatie

“…Er is echter geen effect van dit soort training aangetoond voor geheugen, attentie, visuele waarneming en visuoruimtelijk functioneren (Franze, Hout, 1991;Glisky, 1995;Robertson, 1990;Wilson, 1982;Van Zomeren, Brouwer, 1994). Training van cognitieve functies met behulp van computerprogramma's zijn ook niet effectief gebleken.…”