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Structured Practice: A Memory Intervention for Persons With Dementia

Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Texas A&M University, Temple, Texas, ahochhalter{at}swmail.sw.org

Alan B. Stevens, PhD

Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Texas A&M University, Temple, Texas

Ozioma Okonkwo, MA

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

This study assessed the feasibility of Structured Practice, a memory intervention format for persons with dementia that requires little or no expertise on the part of a trainer. Fourteen residents of assisted-living facilities practiced a 7-digit telephone number and engaged in guided social interaction with a trainer during several sessions. Free and cued recalls were assessed 5 minutes after each session and at least 1 day after each session. Week-long retention was also assessed for those who showed day-long retention on 2 consecutive assessments. Participants were easily engaged with the Structured Practice materials. Half successfully recalled at least part of the number after a day delay. Most recalled at least part of the number after a 5-minute delay. Structured Practice can serve as a format for teaching everyday information and guiding social interaction with persons with dementia.

Key Words: training • spaced rehearsal • errorless learning • activity

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