PDA and smartphone use by individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment: Application of a theory-driven training programme

Abstract

We describe a structured, theory-driven training programme for individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment in the use of emerging commercial technology. We demonstrate its application to 10 individuals with memory impairment from a variety of aetiologies. A within-subject, ABAB multi-case experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of personal digital assistant or smartphone use on day-to-day memory functioning at baseline, immediately post-intervention, at return to baseline, and at short-term follow-up (range = 3–8 months). An errorless fading-of-cues protocol enabled all participants to acquire the skill set necessary to operate their PDA or smartphone independently. All 10 individuals showed robust improvement in day-to-day functioning post-intervention as quantified across a number of ecologically valid questionnaire and task-based measures. This was further corroborated by family members with whom six of the participants resided. These findings demonstrate that individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment can acquire the skills necessary to independently, flexibly and broadly apply commercial technology to support their everyday memory functioning. Moreover the findings confirm that the gap between individuals with memory impairment and potent emerging technology can be closed by the application of a systematic theory-driven training programme.

Keywords:

• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Memory intervention
• Technology
• PDA
• Smartphone
• Amnesia

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the patients and their family members for their participation in this research and for their valuable feedback regarding our memory intervention programme. We would also like to thank Angelina Polsinelli, Diana Jovanovski, Ashwini Persaud and Terry Singh for assistance with patient training. We are further grateful to Drs. Kim Edelstein, Sharon Guger, Lesley Ruttan and Prathiba Shammi for providing some of the neuropsychological test scores and to Ruth Brickman for assistance with follow-up assessments.