Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Yeni Symposium, cilt.44, sa.3, ss.115-135, 2006 (Scopus)
Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the neuropsychological profile of different stages of dementia of Alzheimer's Type (DAT) that is specifically related to memory. Method: The neuropsychological profile that included memory and related functions were measured using a neuropsychological battery composed of Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), Vocabulary Subtest of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised WAIS-R), Visual Auditory Digit Span Test-B Form (VADS-B), Word Stem Completion Test (WSCT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Findings: The sample consisted of 60 voluntary participants (36 females, 24 males). Participants had a mean age of (X̄=73.23± 9.36), were from two levels of education (5-11 years, 12 years and over) and three levels of DAT. DAT stage was determined using Reisberg Global Deterioration Scale (GBS). Participants were grouped into mild (Stage2), medium (Stages 3-4) and severe (Stages 5-6) DAT using GBS scores. A 3X2 analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was applied to the scores that were derived from the tests/subtests of the six neuropsychological tests. Age was used as the covariate. MANCOVA showed a significant effect of DAT stage on all test scores. Post hoc analyses showed that visual memory, immediate and delayed recall (WMS-R scores); perseveration, conceptualization/reasoning (WCST scores) were significantly affected at medium DAT level (Stages 3-4) and also at severe DAT level (Stages 5 and 6). Short-term memory (VADS-B); semantic memory (Vocabulary subtest of WAIS-R); and implicit memory (WSCT) were significantly affected at the severe DAT level (Stages 5 and 6). DAT is characterized primarily with memory disorder. Discussion and Conclusion: The present study showed that the type of memory that is afflicted changes throughout the stages of the illness. This study thus showed that the choice of the neuropsychological tests used in studying memory and related cognitive functions is critical since memory and related cognitive functions are not affected to the same extent at the same stages of DAT.