Using Spaced Retrieval With External Aids to Improve Use of Compensatory Strategies During Eating for Persons With...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Dysphagia is common in individuals with dementia, increasing aspiration risk.
• Compensatory swallowing strategies can mitigate risks but require effective training methods.
• External memory aids can support strategy use in cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate spaced retrieval (SR) training combined with memory aids for teaching swallowing strategies to people with dementia.
• To assess if speech-language pathologists perceive improvements in swallowing safety post-SR training.

Main Methods:

• A multiple baseline design across behaviors was employed.
• Five nursing home residents with dementia and dysphagia were trained.
• Trained strategies included chin tuck, liquid-solid alternation, and lingual/finger sweep.

Main Results:

• Spaced retrieval training with visual aids led to improvements in 2-3 compensatory swallowing behaviors per participant.
• Social validation ratings confirmed participants learned behaviors for perceived safety during eating.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with dementia can learn compensatory swallowing strategies using SR and external aids.
• Further research is needed on generalization to typical dining environments and long-term effects.