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 45-page Neuro SLP Memory Bundle. It includes (13) different activities, patient handouts, and graphics. Particularly, on the topic of EMAs, it includes:
- ACTIVITY: Identifying Personal Memory Demands
- HANDOUT: "How Do You Remember?" Overview
- ACTIVITY: Making Considerations & Weighing Pros and Cons When Selecting External Memory Aids
- ACTIVITY: Using Phone Apps for Memory & Organization (*includes Skills Checklist)(*for iPhone & Android)
- ACTIVITY: Meeting Real-Life Memory Demands: "How Would You Remember?"
- ACTIVITY: Using External Memory Aids & Modifications in (9) Everyday Scenarios
- ACTIVITY: Using External Memory Aids & Modifications in (9) Everyday Scenarios
As always, have some amazing (and functional) speech therapy sessions!
-Dana (The Neuro SLP)Â
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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