1. Production of Complex Sentences in the Semantic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia: Neuropsychological, Clinical, Neuroanatomical and Demographic Correlates
- Author
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Vasiliki Koukoulioti, Stavroula Stavrakaki, Dimitra Mamouli, and Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Subjects
primary progressive aphasia ,semantic variant ,syntax ,SPECT ,disease duration ,neuropsychological screening ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Syntactic deficits are not a core symptom of the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA). However, some studies indicate syntactic impairments that deteriorate with progress of the disease. The study addresses the presence of a syntactic deficit and its association with clinical, neuropsychological, neuroanatomical and demographic variables. Nine individuals with svPPA were tested with a cognitive screening test (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, ACE-R), a language screening test (Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination—BDAE) and a syntactic test (object question elicitation). Additionally, the regional cerebral flow was measured with brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The results indicated significant impairment in the production of object questions for some patients. Performance on these clauses was not predicted by the ACE-R or by hypoperfusion in the language areas. While there was no evidence for an effect of disease duration on syntactic performance, the results reveal a potential effect of the age of symptom onset. Furthermore, the results reveal a significant association between the performance in BDAE and the years of education and production of object questions. Overall, these results indicate a significant specific deficit in syntax for some patients with svPPA and highlight the importance of the premorbid educational status for the progress of the disease.
- Published
- 2024
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