Cognitive Impairments: Memory, Screening, and Intervention

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

Thousands of CE Courses
Patient Education
Home Exercise Program
And more

Subscribe Now

First Chapter Free Buy Course

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the different ways that memory may be described and highlight common memory impairments that occur as a result of neurologic disease or injury. Particular emphasis will be placed on the procedural/non-procedural memory distinction as it relates to improving motor function in patients seen in rehabilitation.

Meet your instructor

Karen L. McCulloch

Karen L. McCulloch is a professor in physical therapy in the Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she has taught entry-level and advanced-level students in neurorehabilitation since 1993. She has served in multiple roles within…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

1. Memory Definition and Types

This chapter answers the question, "What is memory?" The taxonomy of memory (Squire) is covered. The instructor discusses ways to describe memory, including: time-based (working, short-term, long-term; retro and anterograde amnesia), content based (episodic, visuospatial, phonological), and systems (declarative/non-declarative).

2. Screening for Memory Impairments

This chapter covers simple screening tools that identify memory impairments. Relative lack of clear procedural memory tests is discussed, as well as collaboration with OT, neuropsychology/psych, or speech-pathologist to understand memory strengths/deficits.

3. Intervention in the Presence of Memory Impairment

This chapter covers structuring therapy – when memory is expected to improve and when memory is not expected to improve or may worsen. A case example is discussed that describes the training approach to capitalize on procedural memory as a relative strength.

More courses in this series

Foundations of Cognitive Impairments: Understanding Attention

Karen L. McCulloch

Foundations of Cognitive Impairments: Attention Examinations and Interventions

Karen L. McCulloch

Cognitive Impairments: Executive Function

Karen L. McCulloch