[Awareness of memory deficit in patients with amnesia]

This study investigated the impaired self-awareness (ISA) of memory deficit in 63 brain injury patients with amnesia. The purpose of this study was (a) to elucidate the relation between degree of ISA and memory deficit measured by several neuropsychological memory tests, (b) to examine the relation between degree of ISA and the post-injury duration, and (c) to investigate the influence of ISA on independent behaviors and occupational outcomes. We measured ISA by using discrepancy methods, which is the difference of the evaluated frequency of the patient's memory problems in daily living as judged by the patients themselves and by their family caregivers. The results showed that the patients underestimated their memory problems more than their caregivers did. Regarding the relationship of ISA and neuropsychological memory tests, performance involving orientation, delayed recall of a story, and abstract figures (Rey Complex Figure Test) were related. Moreover, the degree of ISA influenced independent behavior and occupational outcomes. However, the duration from post-injury did not influence the degree of ISA. These results indicate that not only an approach to enhance neuropsychological memory functions but also an approach to develop an appropriate self-awareness of memory deficit is important for independent living and social reintegration.