The Memory
Works® CDs are tools that can be especially useful for
providing therapy to individuals with memory impairment, especially
for persons with memory deficits secondary to brain injury,
stroke, or mild cognitive impairment.
The Memory
Works® CD-ROM training tools are employed in retraining
memory skills because they are uniquely useful in the marketplace,
combining engaging interactivity with educational multimedia.
The Memory Works® series contains four distinct multimedia
program CDs. Each deal with several types of everyday memory
complaints which are commonly observed in clients after brain
injury or stroke. These memory problems include difficulty
remembering names and faces, facts and figures, as well as
memory for everyday activities and intended actions.
The Memory Works®
training modules are unique for several reasons.
·
In addition to giving the client memory practice, the exercises
provide multiple strategies to remember information.
·
Modules can be used by the therapist as a training tool and by
the client to practice memory exercises at home.
·
Techniques outlined in the Memory Works® are based upon scientific
research and clinical development.
Background
Many cognitive
rehabilitation training programs use what is called stimulation
therapy. The therapist provides the client with cognitive exercises
to strengthen the mind. The assumption is that these mental exercises
will directly or indirectly enhance a person's memory. Further,
it is assumed that the 'strengthening of the mind' will carry over
into improving functioning in every day life. Neither of these assumptions
has been supported by research.
With the Memory
Works CDs, a different approach is taken. The information and procedures
contained on these CDs teach new ways of remembering which make
memory skills more efficient, reliable and durable. Once the client
has learned how to remember, the memory strategies are practiced
in simulated real-world situations.
Existing software
for cognitive remediation can be quite expensive. It is often difficult
to use and many clients have neither the finances nor the technical
expertise to purchase and install it on their computer. The Memory
Works® CDs are affordable and easy to learn. With the Memory
Works CDs, the client becomes actively involved in his/her treatment.
A Different
Approach
Therapists can
use the Memory Works® CDs during a treatment session to teach
various memory strategies and would then instruct the client to
use the program independently. Following satisfactory progress,
the client can acquire the CDs from the therapist and continue the
treatment as homework and/or as extended therapy. The self-tests
in Memory Works® enable the client to self-monitor memory performance
between therapy sessions. The at-home therapy component greatly
increases the chances of a successful outcome with virtually no
increase in the cost of the treatment. This aspect of the treatment
is an important factor in today's cost sensitive healthcare environment.
The therapist
can be assured what the client is practicing in the home is precisely
what is taught during a session. Family members can become part
of the at-home therapy, thereby, providing added motivation and
encouragement to succeed.
The Memory
Works® Series
The Practical
Memory Institute® (PMI) has created a single, comprehensive
repository of scientifically based, task specific, everyday memory
strategies with demonstrated efficacy. Because the Memory Works®
offers optional strategies for each memory task, if the client does
not benefit from a particular strategy, he will likely find another
that will benefit his memory functioning. Sometimes a combination
of strategies will be appropriate to a given client's circumstances
and style of learning. This systematic approach to practical memory
training, with the availability of unlimited practice, provides
an invaluable collection of memory therapy techniques for the therapist
and the client.
·
The Nature of Memory® CD provides a comprehensive overview
of the construct of memory. While not a textbook, it offers a
multimedia description of practical and every day examples of
memory functioning. The client first learns how different emotional,
physical and mental states may affect ability to remember. This
material is helpful in providing the client with a rationale for
why they are experiencing difficulties. It is motivational because
it describes the potential for recovery through memory retraining.
The CD includes a Memory Monitor® to provide self reported
assessment of the person's current memory readiness and to assess
progress while going through the various training programs. This
program, like all the others, is self-paced. The client learns
the basic architecture of the brain and how memories are created
and stored. It also includes an extensive external memory aids
section which describes a variety of tools for remembering everything
from medication schedules to textbook materials.
·
The Best Intentions® CD helps to teach the client how to avoid
frustrating, everyday types of memory errors. Most people have
forgotten an appointment, even after being marked on a calendar,
or walked into a room to get something and forgotten the reason
for being in the room. Who hasn't forgotten to buy certain items
at the store but remembered them on the way home? The Best Intentions®
CD provides hands-on, how-to-remember learning skills which overcome
these nagging and frustrating problems. The therapist and client
can practice certain intentional actions in a visual environment
with real world scenes similar to those encountered in every day
life.
·
The Memory Works® for Names & Faces CD (aka Names &
Faces™) teaches the art of everyday association. Most clients
have complained of difficulty remembering faces or associating
an individual's name to his face. Names & Faces™ is designed
to address this commonly encountered problem. It teaches various
memory strategies for forming associations between names and faces
and then provides an unlimited opportunity to practice implementing
this technique in various simulated environments.
·
The Memory Works® for Facts & Figures CD (aka Facts &
Figures™) was designed for clients who have a difficult time
remembering collections of unrelated events such as lists, numbers
and facts. The client learns strategies for integrating large
collections of seemingly unrelated facts into a coherent memory
he can recall as a unit. Examples of these types of situations
and innovative practice using the strategies are provided in colorful
and engaging multimedia detail.
Summary
Therapists who
use the Memory Works® CDs can be assured that their therapy
includes the only science-based, colorful and engaging multimedia,
memory training available. Therapists who incorporate the Memory
Works® CD training tools into their programs, increase the likelihood
of successful outcome. If the client has access to Memory Works®
CDs at home, therapy can continue as needed. Family members can
also learn to use the Memory Works® to assist in helping the
client carry memory strategies into activities of daily living.
