A Novel Digital Memory Augmentation Device to Improve Autobiographical Memory in Older Adults
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: A promising approach to minimize the effects of autobiographical memory (AM) loss in aging is digital memory augmentation (DMA), whereby a device records information in one's day-to-day life for later review. Despite producing benefits to memory recall, current DMA protocols do not incorporate findings from the cognitive neuroscience literature which have been shown to improve memory. In the current study, we developed a novel DMA device which takes into account the neurobiology underlying AM, and various principles from cognitive psychology known to improve learning and memory. Participants used this device to record events and review them back in a speeded and distributed manner throughout the day. We found that using our DMA device specifically improved recall of episodic AM details without affecting recall of non-episodic AM details in older adults. We also found that using our DMA device improved immediate memory recall as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale: Logical Memory Test (Wechsler, 2008). Furthermore, the benefits in episodic AM details derived from using our DMA device could be predicted by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005). The results of our study suggest that our novel DMA device can provide a means to improve episodic AM memory in older adults.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Bryan Hong
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3089255604