Alzheimer Disease: Neils-Strunjas J

Harnish SM, Neils-Strunjas J. · Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0379, USA. · Semin Speech Lang. · Pubmed #18348091 No free full text.

Abstract: Decline in semantic memory is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease, and reading and writing performance reflects this loss. The article presents an overview of theoretical reading and spelling models, including definitions of key terminology and controversies surrounding the interaction of semantics and the orthographic lexicon. We review literature supporting a direct lexical nonsemantic route in reading and writing. The reading and writing deficits of Alzheimer's disease are contrasted with those of semantic dementia. Methods of assessing semantic memory in reading and writing are outlined, including administering published tests, word lists, homophones, written confrontation naming, verbal fluency, and written narrative analysis.

Neils-Strunjas J, Groves-Wright K, Mashima P, Harnish S. · University of Cincinnati, OH, USA. · J Speech Lang Hear Res. · Pubmed #17197498 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: This article presents a critical review of literature on dysgraphia associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Research presented includes discussions of central and peripheral spelling impairments as well as the impact of general, nonlinguistic cognitive functions on dysgraphia associated with AD. METHOD: The studies critically reviewed were from a variety of disciplines, with emphasis on seminal work, recent literature, and the first author's research. CONCLUSIONS: Studies have shown that writing impairment is heterogeneous within the AD population; however, there are certain aspects of the writing process that are more vulnerable than others and may serve as diagnostic signs. Identifying patterns of writing impairment at different stages of AD may help to chart disease progression and assist in the development of appropriate interventions.

Groves-Wright K, Neils-Strunjas J, Burnett R, O'Neill MJ. · Rehabilitation Care Line, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0394, USA. · J Commun Disord. · Pubmed #15013729 No free full text.

Abstract: Few studies have examined characteristics of both verbal and written language of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study used parallel measures (picture description, word fluency, spelling to dictation, and confrontational naming) to compare verbal and written language of individuals with mild AD, moderate AD, and normal controls (14 participants per group). Goals were to determine whether verbal/written differences would be exhibited within groups, and to identify measures sensitive to the effects of mild AD. Results showed that increasing AD severity led to decline in performance for most tasks, but only word fluency differentiated subjects with mild AD from normal controls. Confrontational naming was the only task to identify a difference in verbal and written performance for an AD group but not controls; moderate AD subjects performed worse in written naming. Similar verbal and written performance for the spelling to dictation task indicates impairment to central spelling processes in AD. LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of this activity, participants will be able to: (1) identify verbal and written language measures which are sensitive to the effects of mild AD; (2) describe similarities and differences in verbal and written language performance among mild AD subjects, moderate AD subjects, and controls; (3) describe how findings may inform clinical practice for individuals with mild AD.