Characterization of memory profile in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Different aspects of episodic long-term, short-term and implicit long-term memory were investigated in subjects who strictly fulfilled the criteria for the amnestic form of Mild Cognitive Impairment (a-MCI). Results showed normal short-term memory abilities in these subjects, while each of the episodic long-term memory indices explored showed poorer results in a-MCI subjects with respect to normal controls. Although some episodic memory functions were relatively well preserved, others appeared to have deteriorated to a level comparable to that of mild AD patients. The finding of an extensive impairment of all memory functions depending on hippocampal structures in a population with a high risk of developing dementia is strongly supportive of the hypothesis that a pure amnesic syndrome characterizes the preclinical phase of AD.
Perri
R
R
Fondazione IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. r.perri@hsantalucia.it
Carlesimo
G A
GA
Serra
L
L
Caltagirone
C
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology; D000647:Amnesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001519:Behavior; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology