Objective: To examine the effects of spaced retrieval training (SRT) on the ability to recall face-name associations in those with mild to moderate dementia residing in a skilled nursing facility.
Method: This was a single-subject AB replication design with six participants. Three face-name associations of facility administrators were selected and administered in random order to teach each participant using SRT. Stimulus cards were presented, and responses were recorded using Tactus Therapy Spaced Retrieval Application. Criterion for mastery was the ability to recall the face-name association at 16-minutes across two consecutive sessions, and a maximum of 10 intervention sessions.
Results: All participants demonstrated gains in the ability to recall face-name associations. Five out of six participants met the mastery criterion for each face-name association.
Conclusion: Results confirm that all participants made improvements in the ability to recall the trained face-name associations as compared to their baseline. The results of this investigation indicated a stronger argument for the use of SRT in teaching and improving memory in individuals with dementia.
Keywords: spaced retrieval training, dementia, face-name associations, memory
