Word sequence production in cognitive decline : forward ever, backward never

• Backward recall of automatic word sequences involves declarative and working memory abilities known to be impaired in the early stages of cognitive decline. Yet its utility in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia has not been studied in detail. We analysed word sequence production in 234 participants drawn from three categories: subjective cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and mild dementia in Alzheimer's disease. The names of the months were used as a diagnostic target for investigating forward versus backward sequence production. Forward production remained normal across categories. In contrast, backward speed was significantly decreased in mild cognitive impairment. In dementia both speed and accuracy were impaired. Backward production had significant diagnostic classificatory power. We conclude that word sequence production yields data relevant to the diagnosis of dementia with a minimum of time and expense.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oto-rhino-laryngologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Otorhinolaryngology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Alzheimer’s disease

dementia

memory

mild cognitive impairment

subjective cognitive impairment

word sequence production

Logopedics and phoniatrics

Logopedi och foniatrik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)