A method of assessing the efficacy of memory rehabilitation techniques using a "real-world" memory task: learning a...

A software program developed to assess the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation techniques is described. This project addresses current weaknesses in the research literature on memory rehabilitation: 1) remediation strategies are evaluated in terms of performance on a practical, real-world memory task, rather than a laboratory learning task; 2) the program allows maximum flexibility in assessing a wide variety of remediation strategies and training schedules; and, 3) the software, which provides sensitive outcome measures and detailed feedback about performance, is adaptable to the needs of patients with widely varying degrees of memory impairment. The results of a demonstration project are included to illustrate the use of this technology in determining the usefulness of different mnemonic strategies for patients with specific patterns of memory deficit. The importance of assessing maintenance of rehabilitation training over time is stressed.