Assessment and rehabilitation of prospective memory in acquired brain injury

• Main Author: Fish, J. E.
• Published: University of Cambridge 2008
• Subjects: 616.8
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.599039

This thesis examines several related issues regarding the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation of ‘Prospective Memory’ (PM; remembering to act upon delayed intentions). Chapter one first considers theoretical accounts of PM and related functions. It then summarises clinical and experimental assessment procedures in this area, before examining both restorative and compensatory treatments for PM problems. Chapter two presents data from three related studies on the assessment of PM, examining the concordance between laboratory tests, performance measures taking place over extended time periods, and attainment of real life goals. Chapters three and four examine potential modulatory effects of note-taking on PM performance, and of reward on PM and executive functioning, respectively. Although results from both studies were inconclusive, implications for further research are discussed. Chapter five presents an analysis of data from a large-scale randomised control trial of a paper messaging service for people with acquired memory disorders, in particular examining the effects of executive function on outcome and maintenance of treatment benefits. Chapter six is a rehabilitation case study of a woman with severe executive dysfunction following bilateral frontal lobe damage, where the effects of two treatment strategies, a checklist and a pager, on attainment of functional goals were examined within a single-case experimental design. Chapter seven examines a strategy aimed at supporting ‘monitoring’ processes, implemented with mobile telephones, in terms of its effect upon everyday PM performance. Chapter eight, the general discussion, examines the contribution of the studies presented in this thesis to the existing literature on the assessment and rehabilitation of PM, explores the clinical applications of this work, and suggests future directions for research.