Memory dysfunction in Parkinson patients: an analysis of verbal learning processes.
The German version of the California verbal learning test (Münchner Gedächtnis-Test) was administered to compare memory functions of 45 Parkinson patients and 32 healthy controls. Although the Parkinson patients were within their age norm in their performance on standard intelligence and memory tests, a significant pattern of impaired learning was observed with the MGT. While learning capacity showed a linear increase, it was altogether lower than that of healthy normals. Parkinson patients have difficulty organizing new material and applying useful strategies. When offered useful cues, they can apply these for a while, but soon loose these strategies again. They are more irritated by distractors than healthy people. Once material is learned and stored, it hampers the learning of new material. Also, new information disturbs the reproduction of formerly acquired information.
Karamat
E
E
Neurological Clinic, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Ilmberger
J
J
Poewe
W
W
Gerstenbrand
F
F
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*