Spaced Retrieval

COMING TO THE VIRTUAL REHAB CENTER IN SEPTEMBER 2026

SKILL: Memory

DIFFICULTY: 1/5

LEVELS: 9, based on the length of the delay

BRIEF RATIONALE: This is a proven method for storing information in long-term memory.

In Spaced Retrieval, you will enter meaningful information to remember over increasing time periods. The treatment auto-adjusts in difficulty based on performance.

Creating a Memory Target

Choose a memory target that remains consistent over time (e.g., name, recurring event, precaution) to support the patient's independence, safety, or participation.

For tips on choosing targets, read https://tactustherapy.com/spaced-retrieval-training-memory/

Enter a question: This question will be repeated over expanding time intervals (e.g., What is your son's name?)
Enter an answer: Write the answer exactly how you want the patient to say it (e.g., Chris)

Once you’ve created a memory target, you’re ready to begin. When possible, practice in the same place where the information will be used. This can help support carryover into everyday life.

First, review the correct answer with the patient. Then, they will be asked to recall it right away. Self-scoring is used to indicate whether they remembered the target correctly.

With each correct answer, the delay will increase. If they don’t remember the correct answer, they will be asked to repeat it, and the delay will decrease.

During the delay, the patient can choose to play a simple built-in game to pass the time.

FOR THE CLINICIAN:

Spaced retrieval (SR) is a cognitive approach to support the learning and retention of functional information or behaviors. SR is effective because of:

Classical conditioning – Repeated retrieval of information helps create strong associations between the question and the correct answer.
The spacing effect – Reviewing information at increasing intervals improves long-term retention more than consecutive, massed, or fixed-interval practice.
Priming – Establishing the lead question and target response during practice primes the patient to retrieve the correct response.
Errorless learning – Reducing mistakes during practice reinforces accurate responses and strengthens learning.

DID YOU KNOW? The highest level of Spaced Retrieval in the Virtual Rehab Center is a 16-minute interval because successful recall after this delay typically indicates that the information has been stored in long-term memory (Small & Cochrane, 2020).

Selected References:

Benigas, J. (n.d.). Spaced Retrieval for Memory Loss Part 1: Screenings, Development, and Support [Streaming format]. Medbridge. https://www.medbridge.com/educate/courses/spaced-retrieval-for-memory-loss-part-1-screenings-development-and-support-jeanette-benigas.
Small, J. A., & Cochrane, D. (2020). Spaced retrieval and episodic memory training in Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical Interventions in Aging, Volume 15, 519–536.
Velikonja, D., Ponsford, J., Janzen, S., Harnett, A., Patsakos, E., Kennedy, M., Togher, L., Teasell, R., McIntyre, A., Welch-West, P., Kua, A., & Bayley, M. T. (2023). INCOG 2.0 guidelines for cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury, part V: Memory. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 38(1), 83–102.

Privacy reminder: You may enter personal or health information while using this treatment. If the report contains protected health information (PHI), handle, store, and share it according to your organization’s privacy and security policies.