Spaced Retrieval Using Static and Dynamic Images to Improve Face-Name Recognition: Alzheimer's Dementia and Vascular Dementia

Purpose: The primary objective of this study examined whether spaced retrieval (SR) using dynamic images (video clips without audio) is more effective than SR using static images to improve face-name recognition in persons with dementia. A secondary objective examined the length of time associations were retained after participants reached criterion. A final objective sought to determine if there is a relationship between SR training and dementia diagnosis. Method: A repeated-measures design analyzed whether SR using dynamic images was more effective than SR using static images for face-name recognition. Twelve participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia or vascular dementia were randomly assigned to 2 experimental conditions in which the presentation of images was counterbalanced. Results: All participants demonstrated improvement in face-name recognition; there was no significant difference between the dynamic and static images. Eleven of 12 participants retained the information from 1 to 4 weeks post training. Additional analysis revealed a significant interaction effect when diagnoses and images were examined together. Participants with vascular dementia demonstrated improved performance using SR with static images, whereas participants with Alzheimer's dementia displayed improved performance using SR with dynamic images. Conclusions: SR using static and/or dynamic images improved face-name recognition in persons with dementia. Further research is warranted to continue exploration of the relationship between dementia diagnosis and SR performance using static and dynamic images.