Memory for Semantically Related Objects Differentiates Cognitively Unimpaired Autosomal Dominant Mutation Carriers...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) manifests as semantic access and working memory impairments.
• Autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) provides a model for studying preclinical AD.
• Identifying sensitive cognitive markers is crucial for early AD detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Memory for Semantically Related Objects test (MESERO) for detecting early cognitive changes in ADAD mutation carriers.
• To compare the performance of cognitively unimpaired ADAD mutation carriers with non-carrier family members using the MESERO.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 35 cognitively unimpaired ADAD mutation carriers and 26 non-carrier family members from Colombia participated.
• Participants completed the computerized MESERO, assessing memory for semantically related and unrelated object sets.
• Cognitive performance was analyzed by comparing scores between carriers and non-carriers.

Main Results:

• Cognitively unimpaired ADAD carriers exhibited significantly lower overall MESERO scores compared to non-carriers.
• The performance difference was primarily driven by poorer performance on semantically related object sets.
• No significant differences were observed in performance on semantically unrelated object sets between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The MESERO test demonstrates sensitivity to subtle, preclinical cognitive changes associated with ADAD.
• MESERO performance may serve as an early indicator of AD-related cognitive decline.
• Further research should validate MESERO in diverse populations, including those at risk for sporadic AD.