title: The efficacy of cognitive prosthetic technology for people with memory impairments: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: Technology can compensate for memory impairment. The efficacy of assistive technology for people with memory difficulties and the methodology of selected studies are assessed. A systematic search was performed and all studies that investigated the impact of technology on memory performance for adults with impaired memory resulting from acquired brain injury (ABI) or a degenerative disease were included. Two 10-point scales were used to compare each study to an ideally reported single case experimental design (SCED) study (SCED scale; Tate et al., 2008 ) or randomised control group study (PEDro-P scale; Maher, Sherrington, Herbert, Moseley, & Elkins, 2003 ). Thirty-two SCED (mean = 5.9 on the SCED scale) and 11 group studies (mean = 4.45 on the PEDro-P scale) were found. Baseline and intervention performance for each participant in the SCED studies was re-calculated using non-overlap of all pairs (Parker & Vannest, 2009 ) giving a mean score of 0.85 on a 0 to 1 scale (17 studies, n = 36). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of technology vs. control in seven group studies gave a large effect size (d = 1.27) (n = 147). It was concluded that prosthetic technology can improve performance on everyday tasks requiring memory. There is a specific need for investigations of technology for people with degenerative diseases.
authors: a University of Glasgow , Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Gartnavel Royal Hospital , Glasgow , Scotland.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Jamieson
authors: Breda
authors: B
authors: Cullen
authors: Marilyn
authors: M
authors: McGee-Lennon
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Brewster
authors: Jonathan J
authors: JJ
authors: Evans
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012656:Self-Help Devices
keywords: Assistive technology; Brain injury; Cognitive rehabilitation; Degenerative disease; Memory aid; Memory impairment