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Learning, retrieval, and recognition are compromised in aMCI and mild AD: Are distinct episodic memory processes mediated by the same anatomical structures?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

MARCIO L. F. BALTHAZAR
Affiliation:
Neuropsychology and Neurolinguistics Unit, Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas/SP, Brazil Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas/SP, Brazil
CLARISSA L. YASUDA
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas/SP, Brazil
FERNANDO CENDES
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Neuroimaging, Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas/SP, Brazil
BENITO P. DAMASCENO*
Affiliation:
Neuropsychology and Neurolinguistics Unit, Department of Neurology, Medical Sciences School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas/SP, Brazil
*
*Correspondence and reprint requests to: Prof. Dr. Benito P. Damasceno, Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Box 6111, Postcode: 13083-970, Campinas-SP, Brazil. E-mail: damascen@unicamp.br

Abstract

Performance of different episodic memory processes in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their anatomical correlates are not completely understood. We evaluated the performance of 48 subjects (17 with aMCI, 15 with mild AD, and 16 controls) on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). A brain MRI voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was run with the aim of evaluating the correlations between RAVLT and gray matter density. All memory processes were compromised in aMCI and mild AD. Also, the same cerebral structures were involved in all RAVLT stages. Learning and delayed recall were more related to the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampi, whereas recognition was more related to the thalamic nuclei and caudate nucleus, particularly in the left side. Our findings suggest that these structures may act as a complex functional system and are involved in the acquisition of new information. (JINS, 2010, 16, 205–209.)

Type
Brief Communications
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2009

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