Development and Evaluation of a Working Memory Intervention Kit in Children with Epilepsy in Low-Resource Settings

Objectives In this pilot study, the authors developed and evaluated a working memory intervention (WMI) using a combination of mobile phone-based application and an activity booklet, among children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Methods Pre- and post-intervention cognitive evaluation at 8 wk included: subtests comprising working memory index from Wechsler Intelligence Scale-IV, color cancellation task for sustained attention, and parent’s rating from the Conners’ ADHD/DSM-IV Scales of the Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised. Results Fourteen children completed the intervention; one was lost to follow-up. Significant improvement in most working memory parameters occurred at 8 wk: digit span [scaled scores: median 7 (IQR 4–9) to 12 (IQR 9–14.25); p = 0.001]; letter-number sequencing [scaled scores: median 9 (IQR 5–10) to 11.5 (IQR 6.75–13); p = 0.03]; WMI [median 14 (IQR 9–18) to 22 (IQR 16.75–27); p = 0.001] and sustained attention [time for cancellation test improved from 95 (72–117) to 85 (63–98) s; p = 0.001]. Conclusion This indigenous WMI was feasible and efficacious in improving working memory deficits in CWE in low-resource settings.