Project
Memory rehabilitation and non-pharmacological interventions for people
with Alzheimer's Disease.
Memory dysfunction is one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Disease (AD) that triggers concern. Spaced-retrieval training is a technique
that appears to tap into preserved implicit memory systems and as such
might offer a potential path to rehabilitate memory.
The initial aim of my project is to provide evidence of memory rehabilitation
(by demonstrating successful learning with spaced-retrieval training)
in people with Alzheimer’s Disease living in residential care as
well as in the community. Another novel aspect of my project will be to
follow participants longitudinally to ascertain if memory improvements
can be maintained over time. I hope to be able to ascertain thresholds
or limits to memory rehabilitation depending on the severity of the disease.
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Additional Research Interests
I am currently employed in the Flinders Centre for Ageing Studies as
the Co-ordinator of Clinical Assessments for The Australian Longitudinal
Study of Ageing. I am also tutoring in the topic PSYC 3033, Development
During Adulthood and Ageing. I have a strong interest in intergenerational
relationships, especially between grandparents and their grandchildren. |
Conference Presentations
Materne, C.J., & Luszcz, M.A. (2007, November). Provision of childcare
for preschool grandchildren, the role of generativity and subsequent psychological
wellbeing in grandparents. 40th Meeting of the Australian Association
of Gerontology. Adelaide, SA. |
