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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
06:48
Lexical Decision Task for Studying Written Word Recognition in Adults with and without Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: June 25, 2019
9.7K
[51-Year-old Patient With Word Finding Difficulties]
Nathalie Mayor1,2, Moritz Strickler1, Susanna Frigerio3
1Klinik für Akutgeriatrie, Kantonsspital Olten, Olten.
Praxis
|December 11, 2025
Summary
This case study highlights semantic dementia, a rare neurodegenerative condition. Early word-finding difficulties and memory issues, initially mistaken for depression, were key diagnostic clues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- A 51-year-old patient presented with progressive word-finding difficulties.
- Initial symptoms were attributed to co-existing depression, showing temporary improvement with treatment.
- Subtle abnormalities in naming and verbal memory were noted on the CERAD test battery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a challenging case of semantic dementia diagnosis.
- To illustrate the diagnostic process for semantic dementia.
- To differentiate semantic dementia from depression-induced cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation and patient history.
- Neuropsychological testing (CERAD battery).
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) tomography and Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET).
Main Results:
- MR tomography revealed right hippocampal hypotrophy.
- FDG-PET and handedness assessment were crucial for diagnosis.
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with semantic dementia.
Conclusions:
- Semantic dementia can present insidiously with symptoms mimicking depression.
- A combination of advanced neuroimaging and detailed neuropsychological assessment is vital for accurate diagnosis.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of semantic dementia is critical for patient management.
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