Open AccessQuantifying memory deficits in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Andrés Pilar,
Vico Helena,
Yáñez Aina,
Siquier Antònia,
Ferrer Guillermo Amer
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2018.12.002
Subject(s) - episodic memory , recall , encoding (memory) , psychology , cognition , cognitive psychology , amnesia , neuroscience , audiology , medicine
In the present study, we use the item‐specific deficit approach (ISDA), a method for characterizing memory deficits in list‐learning, to portray the memory deficits in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods We applied the ISDA to compare memory performance of patients with aMCI and healthy controls in encoding, consolidation, and retrieval using the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test. Results The results revealed clear differences in recall performance between patients with aMCI and controls. When analyzing the ISDA deficit indices, the results revealed a prominent encoding deficit, followed by a consolidating deficit. A greater sensitivity for the encoding index confirmed that a difficulty with encoding information plays a major role in explaining the episodic memory deficits experienced by patients with aMCI. Discussion The present study applying the ISDA reveals great sensitivity and specificity of the encoding deficit index when identifying aMCI. As aMCI constitutes a risk factor to develop Alzheimer's disease, the current findings also confirm the need to concentrate on encoding deficits as an early diagnostic sign of cognitive decline.