HOW TO:
Spaced Retrieval Training
WHAT: Spaced retrieval training (SRT) is an
evidence-based memory technique that uses
procedural memory to help people recall
information over progressively longer intervals
of time.
WHO: Anyone can use this technique to learn,
but it has been proven especially effective for
people with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, traumatic brain injury, and aphasia.
PREP WORK: Choose memory targets that are
personal, functional, and most importantly, won’t
change. Possible treatment targets include the
use of compensatory strategies for swallowing,
safe transfer techniques, the names of
caregivers, and the use of memory aids.
MATERIALS: A timer or stopwatch and pad of
paper. Or use the Spaced Retrieval
Therapy app for hassle-free interval timing.
Choose at least 1 functional target/goal (eg. remembering facts such a name or room
number or remembering to perform a certain action).
Ask a question to elicit the target response. If the person answers/performs correctly the
first time, mission accomplished! If the answer is unknown or incorrect, tell or show them
the right answer and have them repeat it back.
Ask again 15 seconds later. If they can’t recall, give the answer and have them repeat it
back. Try again in 15 seconds. If it’s still not right, spaced retrieval may not be appropriate.
When the answer is given correctly, double the time interval (15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1
minute, 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 8 minutes, etc.) and ask the question again. Repeat this
step each time the answer is correctly given.
If the answer is incorrect, give the right answer immediately and ask the question again
at the last correct time interval.
SRT Using Spaced Retrieval Therapy from Tactus Therapy
While anyone can do SRT with a
clock, pencil, & paper, it can be a
test of your own memory to
recall which interval you’re on,
which one to do next, and then
remember to ask the question at
that exact moment.
The Spaced Retrieval Therapy app will:
Enter up to three targets at a time
Run in the background while you use other apps
Alert you when it’s time to ask the question again
Track your intervals and data automatically
Put the data in a report at the end of the session
tactustherapy.com/how-to
SETUP: Open the Spaced Retrieval Therapy app. Touch Enter New Target.
Enter your target question and customize your intervals by type, start, and end
times.
TRACK: Ask your patient the target question and touch whether it was correct
or incorrect. The app will do the work of reminding you when to ask the
question again at which appropriate intervals. When you are finished, press the
square "stop" button in the bottom right corner of the target window.
EMAIL: Send the report to yourself for a full account of what happened during
the session. "Save to Drafts" if you don't have wifi for future reference.
Make memory training easy using evidence-based expanding
intervals with built-in data tracking & timing with the
affordable Spaced Retrieval Therapy app by Tactus Therapy.
Available for iOS and Android phones and tablets.
tactustherapy.com/how-to