Comparison of remedial and compensatory approaches in memory dysfunction: a comprehensive literature review

ABSTRACT Memory is a cognitive process of information storage and retrieval that is essential to performing daily functional activities efficiently. Occupational therapists regularly help individuals with memory impairment to manage their memory deficits. The purpose of this paper was to review the main memory strategies and instructional methods used to improve or manage memory. Studies were identified by searching for the relevant literature published between 1980 and 2007 through the use of several databases with the inclusion criteria that the study must identify at least one specific memory rehabilitation method with an outcome measure representative of the specific method. The reviewed studies included three reviews, 10 randomized control trials, 17 quasi-experimental studies, and five single subjects' designs. The results suggest that there is empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of certain remedial and compensatory memory rehabilitation methods with healthy populations, but weaker evidence can be identified for the memory-impaired populations. In general, remedial methods are effective in lab settings with primarily healthy populations, yet effectiveness in daily activities is less clear. Compensatory methods are generally more efficient than remedial ones and more easily generalized to daily activities, even with memory-impaired populations.