Abstract
Semantic memory deficits are a common landmark in Alzheimers disease, but the nature of these impairments remains to be clarified. The tests used to explore this memory system are not specific and involve cognitive processes often disturbed in Alzheimers disease. A complementary way to investigate semantic memory in neuropsychology is by using the semantic priming paradigm. Here, semantic priming refers specifically to the modification of a stimulus processing behind the presentation of a related stimulus; it is a short-lived phenomenon considered an implicit measure of semantic memory integrity. However, semantic priming studies have yielded contradictory results in Alzheimers disease, with authors reporting normal priming, less-than-normal priming, or increased priming effects (hyperpriming). The aim of this paper is to review the literature investigating semantic priming in Alzheimers disease, and to discuss the contradictory results in the context of current models of semantic processing. For a clear comprehension of the semantic priming patterns in this pathology, we will precise the methodology used and the characteristics of the Alzheimers disease patients examined. Besides, the surprising hyperpriming phenomenon - often observed in Alzheimers disease at the early stage of dementia - will also be explained in detail. These results from semantic priming represent invaluable clues to widen our knowledge and conceptions about deterioration of the semantic memory in Alzheimers disease.
Keywords: alzheimers disease, semantic disorders, semantic priming
Current Alzheimer Research
Title: Semantic Memory Disorders in Alzheimers Disease: Clues from Semantic Priming Effects
Volume: 2 Issue: 4
Author(s): Benedicte Giffard, Beatrice Desgranges and Francis Eustache
Affiliation:
Keywords: alzheimers disease, semantic disorders, semantic priming
Abstract: Semantic memory deficits are a common landmark in Alzheimers disease, but the nature of these impairments remains to be clarified. The tests used to explore this memory system are not specific and involve cognitive processes often disturbed in Alzheimers disease. A complementary way to investigate semantic memory in neuropsychology is by using the semantic priming paradigm. Here, semantic priming refers specifically to the modification of a stimulus processing behind the presentation of a related stimulus; it is a short-lived phenomenon considered an implicit measure of semantic memory integrity. However, semantic priming studies have yielded contradictory results in Alzheimers disease, with authors reporting normal priming, less-than-normal priming, or increased priming effects (hyperpriming). The aim of this paper is to review the literature investigating semantic priming in Alzheimers disease, and to discuss the contradictory results in the context of current models of semantic processing. For a clear comprehension of the semantic priming patterns in this pathology, we will precise the methodology used and the characteristics of the Alzheimers disease patients examined. Besides, the surprising hyperpriming phenomenon - often observed in Alzheimers disease at the early stage of dementia - will also be explained in detail. These results from semantic priming represent invaluable clues to widen our knowledge and conceptions about deterioration of the semantic memory in Alzheimers disease.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Giffard Benedicte, Desgranges Beatrice and Eustache Francis, Semantic Memory Disorders in Alzheimers Disease: Clues from Semantic Priming Effects, Current Alzheimer Research 2005; 2 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156720505774330582
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156720505774330582 |
Print ISSN 1567-2050 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5828 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
New Advances in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Alzheimer's Disease
Aims and Scope: Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, with an increasing prevalence that demands concerted efforts to advance our understanding and strategies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This thematic issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative approaches from multidisciplinary perspectives to address ...read more
Current updates on the Role of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neuroinflammation is an invariable hallmark of chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders and has long been considered a potential drug target for Alzheimer?s disease (AD) and dementia. Significant evidence of inflammatory processes as a feature of AD is provided by the presence of inflammatory markers in plasma, CSF and postmortem brain ...read more
Deep Learning for Advancing Alzheimer's Disease Research
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, with an increasing number of individuals affected yearly. Deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, has shown immense potential in various domains, including healthcare. This thematic issue of Current Alzheimer Research explores the application of deep learning techniques in advancing our ...read more
Diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of dementia
Dementia affects 18 million people worldwide. Dementia is a syndrome of symptoms caused by brain disease, usually chronic or progressive, clinically characterized by multiple impairments of higher cortical functions such as memory, thinking, orientation, and learning. In addition, in the course of dementia, cognitive deficits are observed, which often hinder ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Bivalent Ligands Derived from Huperzine A as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Xenobiotic Metabolising Enzymes: Impact on Pathologic Conditions, Drug Interactions and Drug Design
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Progress of Epilepsy after Stroke
Current Neuropharmacology Mechanisms of Neurovascular Dysfunction in Acute Ischemic Brain
Current Medicinal Chemistry Multi-Target Strategy and Experimental Studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Tau in Alzheimer Disease and Related Tauopathies
Current Alzheimer Research A Role of GABA Analogues in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pain Experience in Dementia Subtypes: A Systematic Review
Current Alzheimer Research Brain Network Connectivity Mediates Education-related Cognitive Performance in Healthy Elderly Adults
Current Alzheimer Research Biomarker Assessment in Nutritional Modulation of Oxidative Stress-Induced Cancer Development by Lipid-Related Bioactive Molecules
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery APOE Genotypes and Brain Imaging Classes in Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Longitudinal Study
Current Alzheimer Research The Molecular Genetics of Migraine: Toward the Identification of Responsible Genes
Current Genomics Blood Brain Barrier Compromise with Endothelial Inflammation may Lead to Autoimmune Loss of Myelin during Multiple Sclerosis
Current Neurovascular Research Anticancer Agents: VTA or VDA
Current Bioactive Compounds Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonists and Parkinsons Disease: State of the Art and Future Directions
Current Pharmaceutical Design Apoptosis in Alzheimer Disease: A Mathematical Improbability
Current Alzheimer Research Is Elevated Norepinephrine an Etiological Factor in Some Cases of Alzheimers Disease?
Current Alzheimer Research Quantitative Electroencephalogram Analysis in Parkinson’s Disease
Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (Discontinued) White Matter Damage Along the Uncinate Fasciculus Contributes to Cognitive Decline in AD and DLB
Current Alzheimer Research Nanoneuromedicines for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia