Evaluation of semantic memory: A cross-sectional study in healthy people and comparison with Alzheimer's disease patients

Abstract

The present paper evaluates the evolution and deterioration of semantic memory in a healthy population and in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Using a categorical semantic fl uency test, we evaluated the frequency of production of copies of four basic semantic categories belonging to the domains Living Things (LT) and Non-Living things (NLT). The sample consisted of 80 subjects classifi ed in four groups: children, young adults, healthy elderly persons and elderly people with Alzheimer`s disease. The results showed a greater production by young adults in the domains LT and NLT, followed by children and the elderly healthy and, fi nally, the elderly Alzheimer’s disease patients. Regarding gender, females showed a better performance but only in the sample of healthy people. Furthermore, the number of errors was considered: the group with a higher number of errors was the children’s, mainly due to the inclusion of non pertinent elements (overgeneralization).