Cuing Prospective Memory With Smartphone-Based Calendars in Alzheimer's Disease.

Objectives We investigated the effect of using smartphone-based calendars (Google and Outlook Calendar) on prospective memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods we recruited two groups of participants with mild AD. In one group, prospective memory was cued by a paper-and-pencil calendar, whereas in the second group prospective memory was cued by a smartphone calendar application. After 2 weeks of training to familiarize the participants with calendar use, we invited participants to perform three prospective events per week (e.g. remembering to go to the grocery store) during a 3-week period. Events were cued either by the paper- or smartphone-based calendar. Results we observed fewer omissions of prospective events in the smartphone-based calendar group than in the paper-based calendar group. Conclusions our study suggests positive effects of smartphone calendar applications on prospective memory in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]