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Published on: October 13, 2016
The Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Michael A Kraut1, Barbara Cherry, Jeffery A Pitcock
1Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Summary
A new Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT) identifies semantic memory deficits in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These deficits may indicate early progression toward Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- 10-15% of patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) convert to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) annually.
- Identifying early cognitive markers for MCI to AD conversion is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize cognitive markers predicting MCI to AD conversion.
- To directly assess semantic memory in patients with amnestic MCI using the Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five amnestic MCI patients and 121 healthy controls underwent standard neuropsychological testing.
- The newly developed Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT) was administered to assess semantic memory and name retrieval.
- SORT's ability to differentiate between healthy individuals and AD patients was previously established.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine percent (10/35) of MCI patients exhibited significant semantic impairment (SI+) on the SORT.
- Impaired SORT performance correlated with reduced performance on frontal lobe function tests.
- SORT variables showed significant correlation with Boston Naming Test performance.
Conclusions:
- The SORT is a specific and sensitive tool for detecting semantic memory deficits in amnestic MCI.
- A significant portion of amnestic MCI patients show semantic memory deficits, potentially indicating early AD progression.
- The SORT may offer valuable diagnostic and prognostic information for MCI patients.
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