Seeking older adults experiencing memory difficulties

Neuropsychology and Aging Research Programs
Learn to use a Digital Memory Notebook

Researchers in the Department of Psychology and School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Washington State University are examining whether a digital memory notebook can be used to help individuals experiencing memory difficulties function more independently. Participants will be randomly assigned to use the digital memory notebook either alone or partnered with smart home technology. Training to use the digital memory notebook will take five to six sessions spread across four weeks. After training, participants will continue to use the digital memory notebook for four months. We believe this program will have important implications for providing older individuals coping with memory difficulties an effective tool to help with their memory and maintain their independence.

Who we need:

Older adults who are experiencing memory difficulties
Speak fluent English
Have not been diagnosed with dementia

Tasks involved if you participated:

Learn to use a digital memory notebook to keep track of everyday activities.
Have WSU smart home equipment installed in your home using releasable adhesive strips that will not damage your home. The sensors included motion, door and cabinet, light, and temperature sensors.
Answer monthly questionnaires for the duration of the study, complete a brief battery of cognitive and motor tasks at the beginning and the end of the study.

Individual benefits include an honorarium of up to $200 and a neuropsychological report about your cognitive and physical health relative to others of your same age. The digital memory notebook may help you to remember to initiate and complete regular important activities and to compensate for memory difficulties.

For more information: please contact the Neuropsychology and Aging Lab: (509) 335 – 4033

Principal investigators: Dr.’s Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe and Diane Cook. This project has been reviewed and approved by the Washington State University Review Board for human subject participation.

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