Author: Javier García Ruiz

Program of the Memory Training

Time
Method/Exercise Aims/Expected effects/Abilities Materials Comments
(duration)
An interactive lecture that highlight the complexity of
memory and its relationship to brain function. Participants
should learn the different types of memory and that forgetting
can occur at different rates and for different reasons. Also
Improve knowledge of their own memory
1 hour Meta-memory training None required identify factors that affect successful encoding and retrieval
and facilitate future learning
(e.g., attention, fatigue, physical limitations, pain,
medication, stress). Self-awareness of individual memory
slips is promoted by encouraging participants to maintain a
“slips” log throughout the program.
 It begins with a review and discussion of memory slips that
participants logged throughout the week. The use of
strategies such as date books/diaries, post-it notes, timers,
and wall calendars is encouraged. Additional techniques and
45 minutes External strategies Improve the use of external strategies. None required
strategies for enhancing remembering routine and habits are
discussed. As homework, they are asked to continue logging
slips and identify external strategies that may prevent slips
from occurring.
This is the most basic of all the memory systems and will
Improve the ability to memorize short Sample item
give a foundation with which to make learning the most
lists such as shopping lists, in which each lists to try to
45 minutes Link system advanced systems easier. From now on, participants are
item is linked to or associated with the remember in the
asked to practice the new systems they learn between
next exercises
sessions as homework.
Sample item
Create the ability to memorize short
lists to try to Useful for daily short-term memory purposes - those items
45 minutes Number-shape system number of unrelated items (max. 10), and
remember in the wished to be remembered for only a few hours.
the order between them.
exercises
Sample item
Create the ability to memorize short Once gained some skill with this and the previous technique,
lists to try to
45 minutes Number-rhyme system number of unrelated items (max. 10), and both can be combined to create a system for 20 items at
remember in the
the order between them. maximum.
exercises
Sample list of Internal strategies useful for those people whose are not
phone numbers familiar with new technologies such as mobile phones and
Telephone number Improve the ability to memorize
1 hour to try to could need to make an important or emergency call without
memory system telephone numbers
remember in the having the phonebook or another external agent available.
exercises Session longer than usual due to the difficulty of the system.
 Sample list of
Memory system for schedules and
Improve the ability to remember Internal strategies useful for use when the appointment book
45 minutes schedules and appointments to
schedules and appointments or another external agent is not available.
appointments try to remember
in the exercises
Due to the importance of the topic (elder people often
Memory system for Sample pictures
Improve the ability to remember names complains about difficulty to remember names and faces) and
1 hour remembering names and of faces paired
and faces the relative difficulty compared with other internal systems,
faces with names
this session is longer than usual.
Although participants are encouraged to learn and practice all
Exercises
strategies, it is recognized that different strategies work for
designed for
different people in different situations and that
combination of
combinations of strategies are commonly used. With this
Help to organize all the strategies and strategies and to
1 hour and Wrapping up and understanding, participants are presented with additional test
systems learned, and maximize the provide them
15 minutes conclusions opportunities in which they are instructed to use the
benefits of the program additional
strategy or combination of strategies that best suited them. It
material to work
finishes with conclusions and summary of all the program,
with after the
and advices to keep the benefits within time and to keep
program.
practicing.