A Systematic Review of Prospective Memory Interventions Across Stages of Dementia-Related Disorders

Abstract

Background: There is a critical need to develop effective interventions for cognitive impairments associated with dementia-related disorders (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, mild cognitive impairment). Prospective memory (PM), or the ability to create and carry out future intentions, is one cognitive domain that is impaired in individuals with dementia-related disorders. Effective treatment of PM could significantly improve daily functioning, level of independence, and quality of life. Objective: To date, there have been a number of studies investigating potential interventions, but these interventions have not been comprehensively reviewed and compared across the stages of dementia-related disorders, as is the aim of the current review. Methods: This review examined 21 studies on the success of intervention strategies for prospective memory in patients with dementia-related disorders. Results: All the studies demonstrated positive effects of intervention on PM abilities, but there are questions concerning ecological validity, length of positive effects on PM, and a lack of diversity of interventions across the different stages of dementia-related disorders. Conclusion: Future research should address these issues by incorporating daily functioning activities and caregiver support into the intervention process, as well as investigating these interventions at more severe stages of dementia-related disorders.