title: Retrieval practice is a robust memory aid for memory-impaired patients with MS.
abstract: Memory impairment is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Retrieval practice is a powerful memory technique whereby retrieving information (quizzing oneself) leads to better memory than restudying. In a within-subjects experiment, 12 memory-impaired MS patients encoded verbal paired associates (VPAs) through massed restudy (MR), spaced restudy (SR), or retrieval practice (RP). Half of VPAs were tested after short delay (30 minutes) and half after long delay (one week). RP robustly improved memory more than restudy. Short delay: MR=15.6%, SR=27.1%, RP=72.9%. Long delay: MR=1.0%, SR=4.2%, RP=24.0%. RP was the best memory technique for nearly all patients after both short and long delays.
authors.affiliation: Kessler Foundation Research Center, USA.
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sumowski
authors.forename: Victoria M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Leavitt
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paxton
authors.forename: Nancy D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Chiaravalloti
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeLuca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D057567:Memory, Long-Term; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Multiple sclerosis; memory; neuropsychology; rehabilitation; testing effect