A Treatment for memory problems in left hemisphere CVA patients

Abstract

Several studies have reported improvements in memory functioning of left hemisphere brain-damaged patients with the use of visual imagery mnemonic technique. Research on this topic reported to date has not included a control group of brain-damaged patients trained in other mnemonic techniques. The present research was designed to control for placebo effects, to determine if the visual imagery is essential for memory improvement, if the effect is durable, and if it can be applied to memory for word lists and sentences. The sample consisted of thirty male, right-handed, Speech Therapy Clinic patients who had suffered left hemisphere cerebral vascular accidents (CVA's). Subjects were taught to remember paired associates with a visual imagery mnemonic technique, or with verbal mediation. Memory scores were significantly higher with the visual imagery technique (p≤.001). Visual imagery was also found more effecitve than rote repetition with encouragement, when the subjects actually use the technique properly (p≤.0001). Nonsignificant trends implied some value for the imagery technique for word lists, sentences, and long-term memory in this population.