CCD (2) - Memory

MEMORY

• Key concept in understanding cognition and behavior.

WHAT IS MEMORY?

• Definition: Memory is the faculty of the mind by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.

• Involves two types of tasks: Recall and Recognition.

MEMORY SUBTYPES

Orientation

• Knowledge of person, place, time, and situation.

Working Memory

• Information currently being used.

• Example: Expressing thoughts in real-time.

Short-Term Memory

• Information queued for immediate use or that has just been used.

• Example: Recalling what to say next in a conversation.

Long-Term Memory

• Information retained for future use.

• Example: Remembering events from the distant past.

OTHER MEMORY SUBTYPES

Explicit Memory

• Requires conscious effort to recall.

• Example: Questions about cranial nerve functionality after damage.

Implicit Memory

• Automatic and unconscious recall; developed through repeated practice.

• Example: Completing phrases or familiar tasks, such as driving.

HOW DOES MEMORY WORK?

Encoding

• Process of capturing information into short-term memory.

Storage

• Transferring information to long-term memory for retention.

Retrieval

• Accessing information from long-term memory back into short-term memory for use.

MEMORY FLOW PROCESS

• WM: 30 seconds (Immediate recall)

• STM: 30 seconds to 2 minutes (Active use)

• LTM: Over 2 minutes (Long-term retention)

CLASS ACTIVITY

• Engaging in tasks such as:

  • Memorizing lines and character roles (an actress example).

  • Remembering gardening tasks like planting and watering schedules.

HOW DIFFICULTIES MIGHT MANIFEST

• Examples of memory difficulties include:

  • Disorientation in various domains:

    • Person: Incorrect personal information (e.g., age).

    • Place: Wandering and getting lost.

    • Time: Confusion about the time or date.

    • Situation: Inability to recall events leading to care or task.

  • Confabulation: Filling in gaps with fabricated information.

DISORIENTATION CAUSES

• Temporary disorientation can be caused by:

  • UTIs, medication, time of day, distress.

OTHER POTENTIAL MEMORY ISSUES

• Issues might include:

  • Difficulty retaining and recalling info, learning new facts, recalling steps for familiar tasks, task abandonment.

  • Increased requirements for repetition and practice.

STRATEGIC RESPONSES TO MEMORY DIFFICULTIES

• Automatic Responses: Returning to familiar routines and environments.

• Treatment Tip: Routines can enhance performance and success.

EXACERBATING FACTORS FOR MEMORY DIFFICULTIES

• Include attention challenges, organizational issues, chronic stress, and depression.

• Memory problems may worsen with PTSD and concurrent issues.

PERSEVERATION

• Definition: Getting stuck on one subject or task.

  • May relate to attention, but memory lapses contribute as well.

TANGENTS AND TASK ABANDONMENT

• Tangents: Straying from the topic.

• Topic Shading: Increasingly minor deviations from focus.

• Abandoning Tasks: Not returning to a task after interruption.

ASSESSMENT OF MEMORY

• Cognitive Assessments: Examples include CLQT+, BADS, RBANS.

• Memory subtests are included in nearly all batteries.

• Domain-Specific Assessments:

  • Orientation, Immediate vs. Delayed Recall.

  • Tests like GOAT, CVLT, and WRAML target memory specifics.

GOAT TEST DETAILS

• Assessment tasks with scoring ranges focusing on relevant recall items.

INFORMAL ASSESSMENT EXAMPLES

• Evaluating recall abilities in various contexts, including biographical info and familiar environment descriptions.

INTERVIEW/OBSERVATION QUESTIONS

• Evaluating memory through questions on self-recall, recall duration, and existing support strategies.

TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Early Stages

• Focus on increasing awareness about memory difficulties and simple recall tasks.

Later Stages

• Gradually increase task complexity, adding distractions and delays, and target multiple memory skills.

MULTISENSORY ACTIVITIES

• Use of sensory cues (visual, tactile, auditory) in treatment helps reconnect memories and improve recall.

COMPENSATORY STRATEGIES

Internal Aids

• Techniques such as Mnemonics, Chunking, Visual Imagery, and PQRST for better retention.

External Aids

• Tools like planners, lists, and memory notebooks to assist with recall.

STRATEGY TRAINING (WSTC)

• Engaging clients in assessing and selecting effective strategies.

ACTIVITY

• Collaboration exercises using the Memory Grid to reinforce learning and recall.