title: A new semantic list learning task to probe functioning of the Papez circuit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  List learning tasks are powerful clinical tools for studying memory, yet have been relatively underutilized within the functional imaging literature. This limits understanding of regions such as the Papez circuit that support memory performance in healthy, nondemented adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current study characterized list learning performance in 40 adults who completed a semantic list learning task (SLLT) with a Brown-Peterson manipulation during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Cued recall with semantic cues and recognition memory were assessed after imaging. Internal reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects averaged 38% accuracy in recall (62% for recognition), with primacy but no recency effects observed. Validity and reliability were demonstrated by showing that the SLLT was correlated with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), but not with executive functioning tests, and by high intraclass correlation coefficient across lists for recall (.91). fMRI measurements during encoding (vs. silent rehearsal) revealed significant activation in bilateral hippocampus, parahippocampus, and bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate cortex. Post hoc analyses showed increased activation in anterior and middle hippocampus, subgenual cingulate, and mammillary bodies specific to encoding. In addition, increasing age was positively associated with increased activation in a diffuse network, particularly frontal cortex and specific Papez regions for correctly recalled words. Gender differences were specific to left inferior and superior frontal cortex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is a clinically relevant list learning task that can be used in studies of groups for which the Papez circuit is damaged or disrupted, in mixed or crossover studies at imaging and clinical sites.
authors: a Department of Psychiatry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.
authors: Michael-Paul
authors: MP
authors: Schallmo
authors: Michelle T
authors: MT
authors: Kassel
authors: Sara L
authors: SL
authors: Weisenbach
authors: Sara J
authors: SJ
authors: Walker
authors: Leslie M
authors: LM
authors: Guidotti-Breting
authors: Julia A
authors: JA
authors: Rao
authors: Kathleen E
authors: KE
authors: Hazlett
authors: Ciaran M
authors: CM
authors: Considine
authors: Gurpriya
authors: G
authors: Sethi
authors: Naalti
authors: N
authors: Vats
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Pecina
authors: Robert C
authors: RC
authors: Welsh
authors: Monica N
authors: MN
authors: Starkman
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Giordani
authors: Scott A
authors: SA
authors: Langenecker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007206:Individuality; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012660:Semantics; D013997:Time Factors; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen
keywords: Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Hippocampus; Imaging; List learning; Memory; Papez circuit