Considerations When Selecting and Using External Memory Aids (EMAs)

Dana M. Bryant, CCC-SLP

If you are an SLP who works with patients with memory challenges, you know that one of our responsibilities is to help patients with their EMAs--- external memory aids.

We review the purpose/benefits of EMAs and the wide range of types of EMAs. We also target important metacognitive skills so patient's can select the best EMAs for them and use them optimally. In more severe cases, it may even be us who is selecting the best EMA for the patients. Everything needs to be taken into consideration when making these decisions, including but not limited to:

patient living situations
patient medical status
patient priorities
patient daily activities,
patient level of independence
patient preferences
patient familiarity with EMAs
patient willingness to learn new aids
patient comfort with technology

To learn more about helping patients select and use EMAs CLICK HERE for my 44-page Neuro SLP Memory Bundle. It includes 12 different activities, patient handouts, and graphics. Particularly, on the topic of EMAs, it includes:

"60 questions" to help determine which external memory aids listed are best for the patient
a "Pros and Cons" brainstorming sheet
multiple scenarios to discuss to identify differences between EMAs

As always, have some great therapy sessions!

-Dana (The Neuro SLP)

Relevant Research:

Lanzi, A., & Bourgeois, M. S. (2020). Structured External Memory Aid Treatment for Mild Cognitive Impairment. American journal of speech-language pathology, 29(1S), 474–484. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_AJSLP-CAC48-18-0209

Lanzi, A. M., Saylor, A. K., Dedrick, R. F., Bourgeois, M. S., & Cohen, M. L. (2023). The Functional External Memory Aid Tool Version 2.0: A How-To Clinical Guide. American journal of speech-language pathology, 32(1), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00178

Lanzi, A., Wallace, S. E., & Bourgeois, M. S. (2018). External Memory Aid Preferences of Individuals with Mild Memory Impairments. Seminars in speech and language, 39(3), 211–222. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1660780

Spencer, K. A., Paul, J., Brown, K. A., Ellerbrock, T., & Sohlberg, M. M. (2020). Cognitive Rehabilitation for Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Developing and Piloting an External Aids Treatment Program. American journal of speech-language pathology, 29(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_AJSLP-19-0078

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Selecting External Memory Aids: Making Considerations and Weighing Pros and Cons

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Speech Language Pathologists who work with patients with memory challenges can help patients select AND effectively use the best EMAs (external memory aids) for their needs. However, everything needs to be taken into consideration when making these important decisions.

Included in this 6-page activity:

List of (60+) EMA considerations to engage in shared decision-making with your patients about (10) different external memory aid options.
A collaborative brainstorming sheet to help patients weigh pros and cons of each external memory aid they consider using

*Pairs well with FREE Memory Handout entitled "How Do You Remember?"

*Can be used for homework or in-session speech therapy

*Included in "The Neuro SLP: MEMORY BUNDLE"

You will get a PDF (222KB) file

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FREE MEMORY HANDOUT: How Do You Remember?

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"Trouble remembering" is a common complaint of those who've experienced neurological changes. Use this FREE "How Do You Remember?" handout to educate patients on the different ways we can recall information on a daily basis (external memory aids, internal memory strategies, or environmental/schedule modifications).

Determine which memory supports the patient is OR isn't familiar with, which have been successful in the past, which are preferred, etc. This will set the stage for some amazing memory therapy AND individualized home programs.

*This handout is part of a larger, more comprehensive "The Neuro SLP: MEMORY BUNDLE" that includes: (12) Memory Therapy Activities, Patient Handouts, and Graphics included in The Neuro SLP Memory Bundle.

HANDOUT: The 3 Phases of Memory Explained
ACTIVITY: Identifying Personal Memory Demands
HANDOUT: "How Do You Remember?" Overview
ACTIVITY: Making Considerations & Weighing Pros and Cons When Selecting External Memory Aids
HANDOUT: (12) Internal Memory Strategies Explained (w/ Examples)
ACTIVITY: Internal Memory CHALLENGES: Step By Step Guide (w/ Research References)
ACTIVITY: (10) Prospective Memory Tasks (w/ In-Session Examples)
ACTIVITY: Using Phone Apps for Memory & Organization (*includes Skills Checklist)(*for iPhone & Android)
ACTIVITY: Meeting Real-Life Memory Demands: "How Would You Remember?"
ACTIVITY: Identifying Memory Problems & Solutions Chart (w/ Examples)
ACTIVITY: Using Internal Memory Strategies in (9) Everyday Scenarios
ACTIVITY: Using External Memory Aids & Modifications in (9) Everyday Scenarios
HANDOUT: Metamemory Reflection Questions

*Only for use with patients with MILD to MODERATE memory deficits

*All evidence-based; includes (14) research article citations

You will get a PDF (48KB) file

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Considerations When Selecting and Using External Memory Aids (EMAs)

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