ABSTRACT

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spaced retrieval training with errorless learning to improve the verbal memory and memory related to Activities of Daily Living(ADL) for the elderly with early dementia. Methods : To memorize the tasks related to ADL, spaced retrieval with errorless learning was executed for two elderly persons with dementia. The experiment used a BA design and a total of nine sessions, which were composed of six intervention sessions (B) and three generalization sessions (A). The Korean version of the Memory Assessment Scale (K-MAS) was used pre- and post-experiments to evaluate their verbal memory, and the recall success rate was used every session to measure their memory related to ADL. To investigate the generation effect of the training, the researchers also asked the caregiver to check the answers of the subjects on that day for a two-week period. Results : The amount of recall was significantly increased during the intervention sessions, and the effects continued during the generalization sessions. In addition, the training effects transferred into real life. However, their general verbal memory showed no changes. Conclusion : Spaced retrieval training with errorless learning is effective for the elderly with early dementia to memorize and maintain the trained contents. However, a statistically meaningful effect on verbal memory was not observed.