Psychiatry Investig.  2014 Jan;11(1):52-58.

Development of the Ubiquitous Spaced Retrieval-Based Memory Advancement and Rehabilitation Training Program

• Han JW
• Oh K
• Yoo S
• Kim E
• Ahn KH
• Son YJ
• Kim TH
• Chi YK
• Kim KW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The Ubiquitous Spaced Retrieval-based Memory Advancement and Rehabilitation Training (USMART) program was developed by transforming the spaced retrieval-based memory training which consisted of 24 face-to-face sessions into a self-administered program with an iPAD app. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of USMART in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
METHODS
Feasibility was evaluated by checking the satisfaction of the participants with a 5-point Likert scale. The efficacy of the program on cognitive functions was evaluated by the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery before and after USMART.
RESULTS
Among the 10 participants, 7 completed both pre- and post-USMART assessments. The overall satisfaction score was 8.0+/-1.0 out of 10. The mean Word List Memory Test (WLMT) scores significantly increased after USMART training after adjusting for age, educational levels, baseline Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, and the number of training sessions (pre-USMART, 16.0+/-4.1; post-USMART, 17.9+/-4.5; p=0.014, RM-ANOVA). The magnitude of the improvements in the WLMT scores significantly correlated with the number of training sessions during 4 weeks (r=0.793; p=0.033).
CONCLUSION
USMART was effective in improving memory and was well tolerated by most participants with MCI, suggesting that it may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative for the cognitive rehabilitation of elderly subjects with cognitive impairments. Further studies with large numbers of participants are necessary to examine the relationship between the number of training sessions and the improvements in memory function.

Keyword

Mild cognitive impairment; Cognitive therapy; Rehabilitation; Memory; Computer user training; Dementia

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease
Cognitive Therapy
Computer User Training
Dementia
Education*
Humans
Learning
Memory*
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Rehabilitation*