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Calculation impairment in neurodegenerative diseases
Casey Halpern1, Corey McMillan, Peachie Moore
1Department of Neurology-3 Gates, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia 19104-4283, USA.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients show significant oral calculation deficits compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. CBD impairment is linked to number sense issues, while FTD deficits relate to executive function limitations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neurology
Background:
- Oral calculation relies on numerosity, combinatorial processes, and executive resources like working memory.
- Understanding calculation deficits in neurodegenerative diseases is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oral calculation abilities in patients with corticobasal degeneration (CBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To differentiate the specific cognitive components underlying calculation impairments in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Assessed oral calculation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with small and large numbers.
- Evaluated dot counting and working memory (reverse digit span) in 17 CBD, 17 FTD, 20 AD patients, and 17 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- All patient groups exhibited oral calculation impairments compared to healthy seniors.
- CBD (36%) and FTD (65%) showed greater overall oral calculation deficits than AD (76%).
- CBD patients struggled more with dot counting, suggesting a numerosity deficit, while FTD patients had executive function issues.
Conclusions:
- Oral calculation deficits vary significantly across neurodegenerative diseases.
- Numerosity deficits contribute to calculation impairment in CBD.
- Executive resource limitations impact calculation in FTD, distinct from AD.