Proper Name Recall as an Early Indicator of Preclinical Alzheimer Disease Pathology

Early detection of Alzheimer disease (AD) is crucial; however, standard neuropsychological tests often lack sensitivity. Process scores, such as proper name (PN) recall from Logical Memory, may improve the detection of AD-related biomarker positivity. We examined whether baseline PN recall predicted future cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid (Aβ42/Aβ40) and tau (pTau 181 ) status, and whether biomarker status predicted PN recall trajectories.

We analyzed 271 cognitively unimpaired BIOCARD participants (mean age=57.3, 60.3% female, mean follow-up=15.5) using logistic regression and mixed-effects models to examine the associations between PN recall and CSF biomarkers.

Higher baseline PN recall predicted lower amyloid positivity [odds ratio (OR)=0.72, P =0.015]. Amyloid and tau positivity have been linked to a faster decline in PN. Biomarker-positive participants in the biomarker-negative group lacked practice effects.

PN recall predicts future AD biomarker positivity and may enhance early detection of AD-related cognitive decline.