Providing Online Memory Interventions for Older Adults: A Critical Review and Recommendations for Development

Abstract

Objective: Online psychological therapy, or e-therapy, has proliferated. e-Therapy enables clinicians to reach clients otherwise unable to access health services. This should be particularly valuable to services, such as Clinical Neuropsychology, that are scarce or unavailable outside major metropolitan centres, but little is known regarding the potential for online neuropsychological therapy. This discussion paper focuses on memory interventions for older adults, and aims to determine whether it is feasible to create an effective online memory intervention. Method: The approach used was to review the literature regarding e-Health generally and factors associated with effective online delivery, as well as specific issues related to Internet usage and current memory interventions for older adults. Regard was given to ethical considerations and practical suggestions were made about the way forward to implement online memory interventions for older adults. Results: There is good evidence that memory interventions for older adults improve memory and increase functional independence. Barriers to online delivery of memory interventions are identified and recommendations for practice provided. Conclusions: Despite various barriers, translation of memory interventions to an online format appears feasible, and would enable delivery to many older adults who would be otherwise unable to access these services.