[Memory disorders in the epidemic neuropathy].
BACKGROUND
The epidemic neuropathy that occurred in Cuba between 1992-1993 had three clinical forms: optic, peripheral and mixed. Epidemic neuropathy patients often complained of disorders in the recent memory.


METHODS
We studied 120 patients: 68 with peripheral form, 26 with the optic form and 26 of the mixed form and 70 healthy subjects as control group. The short term memory was evaluated with the paradigm of Brown and Petersen, task of free recall for verbal nonsense material, during several intervals of retention (0, 15, 30, 45 seconds). Also, we applied tests for general capacity, depression and a subjective questionnaire about neuropathic symptoms intensity.


RESULTS
Significant differences were observed in the severity of the forgetfulness and depression level between the peripheral form patients and the others groups. The correlation between severity of visual symptoms and the forgetfulness were not significant (S = -0.05; t (176) = -0.7; NS), whereas there was a significant correlation between severity of neuropathic peripheral symptoms and the forgetfulness (S = 0.2; t (184) = 2.7; p < 0.008). This effect on the mediate memory was not observed in the group of visual neuropathy and only occurred, of attenuated form, in the mixed group.


CONCLUSIONS
An explanation for this dissociation is suggested based on the physiopathogenic mechanisms invoked in the illness.
Cubero
L
L
Centro de Neurociencias de Cuba, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas (CNIC), La Habana, Cuba.
Mayor
J
J
Almirall
P
P
Valdés
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires