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P3‐107: Semantic error patterns on naming test in normal aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: Is there semantic disruption?
Author(s) -
Balthazar Marcio L.F.,
Cendes Fernando,
Damasceno Benito P.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2008.05.1672
Subject(s) - psychology , semantic memory , audiology , semantic dementia , boston naming test , semantics (computer science) , cognition , cognitive psychology , disease , medicine , pathology , dementia , neuroscience , computer science , neuropsychology , frontotemporal dementia , programming language
ated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, has presented a significant logistical problem. The currently available memory tests are time-consuming and generally must be administered by a psychometrician in a one-toone interaction with a subject in a confidential and quiet environment. Such tests must trade duration and subject burden with poor accuracy and a low ceiling effect making assessment of normal individuals problematic. Methods: The MEMTRAX Memory Game, was adapted to a slide show format and an approach reminiscent of college aptitude testing for a large group. Subjects were given sheets of paper with preassigned identification numbers and columns with numbers and single adjacent circles. Subjects were shown a series of 50 slides, 5 seconds for each, with half of the images being repeat slides and some repeated twice. Subjects were asked to fill in the circle next to the number for a repeated slide. After a brief introduction and a short practice test, the subjects completed the 50-slide test, and then handed their papers to the rater to be scored. While the rater examined each subject’s paper, a presenter answered audience questions, after which the scores were returned anonymously to each subject. Results: Over the course of one year, this format was used over forty times at various community events, and over one-thousand subjects were tested. While the accuracy, reliability, and validity of this testing format has not been conclusively determined, generally, subjects getting more than five falsenegative responses are of concern for the presence of Alzheimer’s type dementia and those getting more than five false-positive responses are suspected of having problems with disinhibition suggestive of frontotemporal dementia. Conclusions: The MEMTRAX slide-test is not reliable for those subjects with visual impairment or problems limiting their ability to fill in a circle with a writing implement. However, the experience with this format is that it is well accepted by audiences and has the potential to provide highly accurate and cost-effective screening for memory problems.