Avanthi Paplikar1, V P Vandana2, Shailaja Mekala3, K J Darshini2, Faheem Arshad1, Gowri K Iyer3, Rajamohan Kandukuri3, Gollahalli Divyaraj3, Feba Varghese1, Subhash Kaul3, Karalyn Patterson4, Suvarna Alladi5,6. 1. Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India. 2. Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India. 3. Department of Neurology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Punjgutta, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500082, India. 4. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK. 5. Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road, Lakkasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India. alladisuvarna@hotmail.com. 6. Department of Neurology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Punjgutta, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500082, India. alladisuvarna@hotmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Semantic memory deficits are frequently encountered in dementia and distinct patterns of semantic impairment characterize the subtypes of dementia. Life course and cultural experiences significantly influence semantic memory. Hence, there is a need to assess semantic memory using culturally appropriate tests, to aid accurate diagnosis of dementia and facilitate cross-cultural collaborative research. AIMS: In this prospective study, we adapted and validated the Cambridge Semantic Memory (CSM) test battery to the Indian cultural context and studied the patterns of semantic memory impairment across dementia subtypes. METHODS: The CSM battery was modified using standard methods and by incorporating culturally appropriate changes and new semantic categories relevant to India. The adapted Indian Semantic Memory (ISM) test battery was administered to a cohort of 121 subjects, consisting of controls and dementia: Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA), semantic dementia (SD), and behavioral variant fronto-temporal dementia (BvFTD). Profile of semantic memory performance across groups was examined. RESULTS: The ISM battery was found to be a valid measure of semantic memory. The novel semantic categories of gods/religious icons, vegetables, and food items added value to the diagnostic process. Distinct semantic memory profiles in SD, PNFA, AD, and BvFTD were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The cultural adaptation of a semantic memory battery for the Indian context provided sensitive evidence of semantic memory impairment in dementia and its subtypes. The clinical and research application of the ISM battery will enhance diagnostic evaluation that can aid in early and accurate identification of deficits and devising intervention strategies and enable research across cultures.
BACKGROUND: Semantic memory deficits are frequently encountered in dementia and distinct patterns of semantic impairment characterize the subtypes of dementia. Life course and cultural experiences significantly influence semantic memory. Hence, there is a need to assess semantic memory using culturally appropriate tests, to aid accurate diagnosis of dementia and facilitate cross-cultural collaborative research. AIMS: In this prospective study, we adapted and validated the Cambridge Semantic Memory (CSM) test battery to the Indian cultural context and studied the patterns of semantic memory impairment across dementia subtypes. METHODS: The CSM battery was modified using standard methods and by incorporating culturally appropriate changes and new semantic categories relevant to India. The adapted Indian Semantic Memory (ISM) test battery was administered to a cohort of 121 subjects, consisting of controls and dementia: Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA), semantic dementia (SD), and behavioral variant fronto-temporal dementia (BvFTD). Profile of semantic memory performance across groups was examined. RESULTS: The ISM battery was found to be a valid measure of semantic memory. The novel semantic categories of gods/religious icons, vegetables, and food items added value to the diagnostic process. Distinct semantic memory profiles in SD, PNFA, AD, and BvFTD were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The cultural adaptation of a semantic memory battery for the Indian context provided sensitive evidence of semantic memory impairment in dementia and its subtypes. The clinical and research application of the ISM battery will enhance diagnostic evaluation that can aid in early and accurate identification of deficits and devising intervention strategies and enable research across cultures.
Authors: Christine C Guo; Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini; Benno Gesierich; Maya Henry; Andrew Trujillo; Tal Shany-Ur; Jorge Jovicich; Simon D Robinson; Joel H Kramer; Katherine P Rankin; Bruce L Miller; William W Seeley Journal: Brain Date: 2013-10 Impact factor: 13.501
Authors: Marco Mion; Karalyn Patterson; Julio Acosta-Cabronero; George Pengas; David Izquierdo-Garcia; Young T Hong; Tim D Fryer; Guy B Williams; John R Hodges; Peter J Nestor Journal: Brain Date: 2010-10-15 Impact factor: 13.501
Authors: Eleonora Catricalà; Pasquale A Della Rosa; Valentina Plebani; Daniela Perani; Peter Garrard; Stefano F Cappa Journal: Brain Lang Date: 2015-06-11 Impact factor: 2.381
Authors: Chris J D Hardy; Aisling H Buckley; Laura E Downey; Manja Lehmann; Vitor C Zimmerer; Rosemary A Varley; Sebastian J Crutch; Jonathan D Rohrer; Elizabeth K Warrington; Jason D Warren Journal: J Alzheimers Dis Date: 2016 Impact factor: 4.472