Author Of 1 Presentation
P0827 - Speed of Lexical Access Contributes to Verbal Memory Retrieval in MS. (ID 1060)
Abstract
Background
Verbal memory deficits are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Memory deficits associated with hippocampal pathology may contribute; however, the hippocampus encodes verbal memories by binding together semantic content present within the cortex. Recent evidence for early parietal cortical atrophy and subtle language-related deficits (i.e. speed of lexical access) in MS suggest that individual differences in language function may contribute to verbal memory.
Objectives
To investigate whether language ability independently contributes to verbal memory performance in persons with MS.
Methods
Analyses were performed on independent research and clinical samples of relapsing-remitting MS. In the research sample (n=185), word-list memory was assessed by the Selective Reminding Test (SRT), and in the clinical sample (n=227), word-list memory was assessed by the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Revised (HVLT-R). In both samples when controlling for age, sex, premorbid verbal IQ, and word-list Total Learning, stepwise regression (entry p<.05) predicted word-list delayed recall with Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), processing speed (Stroop, Pattern Comparison, Decision Speed in research sample; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition [WAIS-IV] Symbol Search subtest in clinical sample), nonverbal memory (CANTAB Paired Associate Learning [PAL]), and language tasks (rapid automatized naming [RAN], animal naming). The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised (BVMT-R) was also used in the research sample to assess nonverbal memory. Healthy controls (n=50) were assessed using the same battery as the research sample.
Results
In the research sample, SRT delayed recall was independently predicted by Total Learning (partial r (rp)=.658, p<.001), nonverbal memory (BVMT-R, rp=.204, p=.006), and language (RAN, rp=.204, p=.006). These findings were replicated in the clinical sample: HVLT-R delayed recall was independently predicted by Total Learning (rp=.659, p<.001), language (RAN, rp=.206, p=.002), and nonverbal memory (rp=.144, p=.032), but also SDMT (rp=.135, p=.044). Demonstrating specificity to MS, there was no relationship between word-list delayed recall and RAN among healthy controls (rp=.020, p=.894).
Conclusions
Results suggest that language ability (speed of lexical access assessed by RAN) contributes to delayed recall of word lists independent of initial total learning scores in both research and replication clinical samples. These findings highlight the need to consider language changes as a component of verbal memory in MS.
Presenter Of 1 Presentation
P0827 - Speed of Lexical Access Contributes to Verbal Memory Retrieval in MS. (ID 1060)
Abstract
Background
Verbal memory deficits are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Memory deficits associated with hippocampal pathology may contribute; however, the hippocampus encodes verbal memories by binding together semantic content present within the cortex. Recent evidence for early parietal cortical atrophy and subtle language-related deficits (i.e. speed of lexical access) in MS suggest that individual differences in language function may contribute to verbal memory.
Objectives
To investigate whether language ability independently contributes to verbal memory performance in persons with MS.
Methods
Analyses were performed on independent research and clinical samples of relapsing-remitting MS. In the research sample (n=185), word-list memory was assessed by the Selective Reminding Test (SRT), and in the clinical sample (n=227), word-list memory was assessed by the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Revised (HVLT-R). In both samples when controlling for age, sex, premorbid verbal IQ, and word-list Total Learning, stepwise regression (entry p<.05) predicted word-list delayed recall with Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), processing speed (Stroop, Pattern Comparison, Decision Speed in research sample; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition [WAIS-IV] Symbol Search subtest in clinical sample), nonverbal memory (CANTAB Paired Associate Learning [PAL]), and language tasks (rapid automatized naming [RAN], animal naming). The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised (BVMT-R) was also used in the research sample to assess nonverbal memory. Healthy controls (n=50) were assessed using the same battery as the research sample.
Results
In the research sample, SRT delayed recall was independently predicted by Total Learning (partial r (rp)=.658, p<.001), nonverbal memory (BVMT-R, rp=.204, p=.006), and language (RAN, rp=.204, p=.006). These findings were replicated in the clinical sample: HVLT-R delayed recall was independently predicted by Total Learning (rp=.659, p<.001), language (RAN, rp=.206, p=.002), and nonverbal memory (rp=.144, p=.032), but also SDMT (rp=.135, p=.044). Demonstrating specificity to MS, there was no relationship between word-list delayed recall and RAN among healthy controls (rp=.020, p=.894).
Conclusions
Results suggest that language ability (speed of lexical access assessed by RAN) contributes to delayed recall of word lists independent of initial total learning scores in both research and replication clinical samples. These findings highlight the need to consider language changes as a component of verbal memory in MS.