So how can we help brain injury survivors to improve their prospective memory? Current methods involve using external memory aids, such as diaries and alarms, as a form of compensation, with those using active reminders proving most successful. Building on these methods, a 2011 study by researchers in England investigated the effectiveness of a novel and modern external aid: Google Calendar.
Twelve participants with ABI took part in the research, published in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. They each used either Google Calendar or standard diaries for five-week phases in order to compare the effectiveness of the two approaches. The participants themselves identified target activities and a family member monitored their success.
Google Calendar proved significantly more effective than standard diaries in enhancing prospective memory. It was also much more popular with the participants because of its active reminders, which both triggered the retrieval of intentions and also reduced the need for monitoring.
The authors recommend that clinicians familiarise themselves with Google Calendar and utilise its potential for managing prospective memory problems.
Reference
McDonald, A., Haslam, C., Yates. P., Gurr. B., Leeder. G & Sayers. A. (2011) Google Calendar: A new memory aid to compensate for prospective meory deficits following acquired brain injury. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 21 (6), 784-807.
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