Preserved Implicit Memory in Dementia: A Potential Model for Care

Abstract

A growing body of evidence supports the presence of a preserved implicit memory (PIM) system for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article describes a new approach to dementia care, the PIM model, which translates evidence from implicit memory research into a practice model of dementia care. The PIM model predicts that function can be sustained longer for persons with AD through interventions and environments that activate an individual's PIM. Activation of PIM can occur with perceptual priming of familiar objects and reinforcement of learned motor skill memories within tasks. This practice model provides a new framework for planning and implementing dementia care that may preserve function for persons with Alzheimer's dementia.