Everyday memory self-assessed by adult patients with acquired brain damage and their significant others

Abstract

Self-assessment of everyday memory dysfunction was examined in a sample of 48 patients with acquired brain injury. A modified version of the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ20) was used as an interview. Patients were compared to 30 persons without brain injury. EMQ20 was completed by significant others (SOs) to both patients and controls. Patients reported a higher frequency of memory problems (days per week) and more distress due to memory deficits compared to controls. A high degree of consistency was found between patient and SO ratings on these measures. No difference was found on the total usage of memory aids, but patients asked other people more for a reminder and used loose notes less than controls. Implications for rehabilitation and future research are discussed.

This research was supported by a grant from the research and development centre, municipality of Gävleborg, Sweden.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr A. Sunderland, for permission to translate and use the EMQ20 and his most valuable opinion. We would also like to thank occupational therapist Birgitta Dahl for her significant support, assistant nurse Lena Jansson for her help collecting data/samples, and the staff at the department of rehabilitation medicine for assistance in the data collection.

Notes

This research was supported by a grant from the research and development centre, municipality of Gävleborg, Sweden.