Abstract Details

Title Improved Verbal Learning in the Semantic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia When Using Semantic Cues

Topic Behavioral Neurology

Presentation(s) P07 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 164

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: PPA-S is characterized by impairments in confrontation naming and single word comprehension. Although episodic memory may be relatively spared, there can be significant impairment in verbal learning tasks.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: A 70 year old right handed woman who presented with a 2 year history of progressive difficulties with word finding, naming, and memory was tested for language and memory deficits using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). She was then retested on the HVLT after being given semantic category cues.

Results RESULTS: Confrontation naming was poor, correctly naming only 5/15 objects on the Boston Naming Test. Repetition was normal. Comprehension testing with word picture matching and sentence comprehension was normal. On a test of semantic associations, Pyramids and Palm Trees, she was impaired. Initially on the three trials of the 12 word HVLT her learning was impaired with scores of 1, 5, and 7 words recalled (total score: 13). She was, however, able to recall 6 of these words after a delay. When a different version of the HVLT was given with the semantic categories of the words given beforehand, her scores improved to 8, 8, and 10 words (total: 26).

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: This patient with PPA-S had an impairment of verbal learning, but not delayed recall. When given a semantic category cue beforehand, her verbal learning performance significantly improved. This observation suggests that this patient did not spontaneously use semantic encoding. Using a semantic cueing strategy may help other patients with PPA-S improve their capacity for verbal learning.

Authors/Disclosures
Nicholas Milano, MD (Medical University of South Carolina) PRESENTER	Dr. Milano has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Jackson kelly.
Kenneth M. Heilman, MD, FAAN (Univ. of Florida, Dept. of Neurology)	Dr. Heilman has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Stuart D. Cook, MD, FAAN (Rutgers)	No disclosure on file

��ɫ��

��ɫ��