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Preserved Implicit Memory in Dementia: A Potential Model for Care

Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, harriso3{at}oakland.edu

Gwi-Ryung Son, PhD

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Jiyoung Kim, MSN, RN

University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center

Ann L. Whall, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

A growing body of evidence supports the presence of a preserved implicit memory (PIM) system for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article describes a new approach to dementia care, the PIM model, which translates evidence from implicit memory research into a practice model of dementia care. The PIM model predicts that function can be sustained longer for persons with AD through interventions and environments that activate an individual's PIM. Activation of PIM can occur with perceptual priming of familiar objects and reinforcement of learned motor skill memories within tasks. This practice model provides a new framework for planning and implementing dementia care that may preserve function for persons with Alzheimer's dementia.

Key Words: dementia • implicit memory • Alzheimer's • priming • motor skills • function

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