Visuospatial working memory dysfunction from tapping span test as a diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative condition.
• PCA presents with significant visuospatial dysfunction, often diagnosed between ages 50-65.
• Diagnosing mild PCA can be challenging due to a lack of standardized clinical neuropsychological tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the tapping span test as a potential diagnostic tool for mild posterior cortical atrophy.
• To determine the specific visuospatial working memory impairment indicated by the tapping span test in PCA.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) were assessed.
• Nine age- and severity-matched patients with amnesic Alzheimer's disease served as controls.
• Participants completed the tapping span test and various visuospatial working memory tests.

Main Results:

• Posterior cortical atrophy patients performed significantly worse on the tapping span test compared to controls.
• Visuospatial working memory test results were also poorer in the PCA group.
• Tapping span test scores strongly correlated with visuospatial working memory test outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The tapping span test is a simple, potentially valuable tool for diagnosing mild posterior cortical atrophy.
• The test effectively reflects visuospatial working memory deficits characteristic of PCA.